Questions After Joint Replacement

Two of the most common questions we get are about sleeping after surgery and whether the implant will set off metal detectors. 

• Why can't I sleep after my joint replacement?

   One of the most common concerns we hear from our patients is the inabaility to get a good night's sleep.

  A lot of factors contribute to the lack of sleep. The most common reason patients cannot sleep is pain. At OSOC we pride ourselves on effectively controlling our patients pain to help them get through their recovery. As sleep is a very important part of the recovery, here are some tips to practice to help you sleep after your jonit replacement:

  • Take your pain medication if you are having pain. As stated earlier, pain is the most common cause of not being able to sleep. Taking your pain pills one hour before sleeping helps restore your sleep cycle. 
  • Ice before bedtime
  • Sleep on your side or back with a pillow between your legs for comfort
  • Do not do your therapy immediately before bedtime. This may cause increased pain and swelling. 

  Most times difficulty sleeping after your surgery resolves on its own after 3-4 weeks. With proper pain control and activity modification patients can get a good night's sleep throughout their recovery.

• Will my joint replacement set off metal detectors?

  Most orthopedic implants will set off metal detectors. Over 90% of hip replacements and knee replacements will set of airport metal detectors. We do provide our patients an implant card but this is no longer needed for identification of these implants. 

  If you or a family member has a metal implant, he or she should inform a Transportation Security Officer before screening begins. Passengers can use TSA’s Notification Card to communicate discreetly with security officers; however, showing this card or other medical documentation will not exempt a passengerfrom additional screening.

  Many patients now prefer to be screened by imaging technology (X-ray Machine) to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down being necessary. If a pat-down is selected by the TSA, it will be helpful to wear clothes that allow you to easily reveal your surgical scar.