Joint Replacement Surgery: Your Emergency Action Plan

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room If You Experience:

• Sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe, unexplained leg pain with swelling
• Signs of infection at the surgical site:
  • Fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C)
  • Excessive redness or warmth
  • Foul-smelling drainage
  • Significant increase in pain

Important Contact Information

Keep These Numbers Readily Available:

1. Orthopedic surgeon's office: [Insert Number]
2. Primary care physician: [Insert Number]
3. Nearest emergency room: [Insert Number]
4. Physical therapy clinic: [Insert Number]

Emergency Kit Essentials

Maintain a Kit Containing:

• Current medication list
• Insurance cards and ID
• Copy of surgical records
• Post-operative instructions
• Emergency contact information
• Basic first aid supplies

Transportation Plan

Arrange in Advance:

• Primary emergency driver
• Backup driver
• Accessible vehicle requirements
• Directions to nearest emergency facility

Documentation Requirements

Keep These Documents Together:

• Surgical implant card
• Anticoagulation records (if applicable)
• Recent lab results
• Allergies list
• Advanced directives

Prevention Strategies

Daily Monitoring:

• Check incision site
• Monitor temperature
• Record pain levels
• Track medication schedule
• Document physical therapy progress

Follow-Up Care

Regular Appointments:

• Schedule follow-up visits as recommended
• Maintain physical therapy schedule
• Report any concerns promptly
• Keep rehabilitation goals on track