Arrangement for consultation with Dr Joubert can be made at his consulting rooms. Please bring all relevant x-rays, referral letters and medical aid details with to the first consultation. Any medical reports of previous medical conditions would be of value and should be brought along.

A special set off x-rays will have to be taken at the day of first consultation for the purpose of surgical planning. Patients with medical conditions e.g. hypertension, heart or lung conditions, will need to see a Physician for pre-operative evaluation.

AT FIRST CONSULATION ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR:

• Date of surgery
• Medical consultation for Physician evaluation
• Medical aid authorisation
• Consent
• Special investigation e.g. ECG, chest x-ray and blood tests.

We prefer that our patient be admitted one day before surgery for surgical preparation and consultation with Physician, Physiotherapist and Anesthetist. It is of utmost importance to inform us of any infective condition at the time of admission e.g. respiratory infection, infective skin lesion, UTI, colds and flu. Further requirements like crutches and pressure stockings will be made on behalf of the patient.

After your consultation with Dr Joubert you will receive a file containing information about the AMIS procedure. We recommend that you keep all documents related to your hip replacement procedure in this file.                 

DOCUMENTS:

• Medical Reports
• Referral letters
• X-ray reports
• Hospital admission documentation
• Consent form
• Quotation
• Diagnoses codes
• Medical aid autorisation number

NB : Remember that you must bring your AMIS Hip Folder and all relevant x-rays along to each appointment with Dr Joubert.

After your consultation with Dr Joubert his staff will assist you in the administrative preparation for the operation. All patients with medical conditions e.g. Hypertension, heart or lung conditions will need to consult a physician before the procedure to ensure a safe procedure.

Dr Joubert’s staff will assist you in arranging your medical aid authorisation, pre op assessment, consent forms and admission letters for the hospital. Admission to the hospital will be the day before the operation.

Remember to bring all your x-rays and your special hip file containing all relevant documentation.

In hospital you will meet your Physiotherapist and Anesthetist for the procedure. The Anaesthetist will explain and discuss the anesthetic procedure with you and he will assess your medical fitness for the procedure.

The hospital staff will assist you with preparation for the procedure including a medicated body wash.

PATIENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE NIL PER MOUTH 8 HOURS PRIOR TO PROCEDURE.

Prevent any risk of infection. Any source of infection is incompatible with the placement of a prosthesis. Infection or inflammation will be cause for postponement of the operation. At worst, if unnoticed, it may cause quick infection of the prosthesis. Therefore it is absolutely necessary to look for any sign of infection:

• Check your teeth: see your dentist for a dental evaluation: irritation from an orthodontic appliance, or other mouth infection.
• Check your feet: check that there is no mycosis, ingrown nail, corn, or unhealed wound.
• Prepare your skin: during the last days before the operation, have a shower in the morning and evening, using medicated soap as antiseptic soap to reduce the presence of germ on your skin.
• Check for pimples. If there is the slightest doubt, talk to your doctor or a nurse.

ON THE DAY OF THE SURGERY, TAKE WITH YOU:

• the X-rays taken during the pre-operative consultation

It is important to remember to be nil per mouth for at least 8 hours before the operation. Patients must also have a pre-operative medicated soap shower to reduce the risk of infection. If you have any special requirements, allergies or previous anesthetic problems, please mention this to the medical staff.

The ward nursing staff will mark and prepare the operation site in the ward. The patient will be transferred to theatre one hour before surgery for further preparation.

The surgical procedure duration is 60 to 90 minutes. After the procedure the patient will be transferred to the recovery room. Controlled x-rays of the hip will be done. Once the anesthetist is satisfied, the patient can be transferred to the high care unit. Special preventative measures for deep vein thrombosis is recommenced.

Patient will be transferred to the general ward the next morning. The physiotherapist will assist the patient with initial mobilisation – ‘talking your first few steps’. During your hospital stay, further mobilisation will be done with the help of physiotherapist and ward staff. Wound dressings will be replaced with waterproof dressing.

 Patients are mobilised, within their physical capacity. During your stay we will help you to mobilise with a walking aid. This will include level walking, climbing a few steps and transferring to and from the bed and chair. Patients can be discharged once they can mobilise with stability and the wound is dry and clean. Expected duration of hospital stay is 3 – 5 days, post op.

The physiotherapist will provide you with an information pamphlet concerning your mobilisation and care for your hip at home.

A routine follow-up appointment with Dr Joubert will be arranged by the ward staff, for three weeks after operation.

Please maintain a stable and clean (dry) dressing on the wound until your follow-up visit to Dr Joubert. A Spare dressing will be supplied incase your dressing should not last.

Medication for pain and to prevent deep vein thrombosis will be supplied before discharge.

THE PHYSIOTHERAPIST WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR MOBILISATION AND ACTIVITES AT HOME. 

Go to CARE AT HOME for tips on the first few weeks and how to take care of your prosthesis.