Medical Clearance Exam for Joint Replacement Surgery: What to Expect

Joint replacement surgery means less pain and more mobility for people with severe joint damage from injuries or degenerative conditions like arthritis. But before you can go ahead with this life-changing procedure, one important step remains.

At Internal Medicine Partners, our team, led by Alejandro Blanco, MD, and Ralph Rodriguez, MD, specializes in preparing patients for major surgeries like joint replacements with comprehensive medical clearance exams. 

Curious what you can expect during your visit? In this month’s post, we explain what happens during a medical clearance exam and how it helps set you up for a successful surgery and optimal recovery.

Your medical clearance exam

Before major surgical procedures, we want to make sure your body is as prepared as possible. Your medical clearance exam is a preoperative appointment where our team assesses your health, identifying any potential risks that could complicate your surgery or recovery.

During the exam, we begin by discussing your medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, and allergies, so we can identify any specific needs or challenges you may have during or after the procedure. We also make note of any current prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements you’re taking to prevent adverse reactions.

Next, we perform a thorough physical examination – paying particular attention to your cardiovascular and respiratory systems — to ensure your body can handle the stress of anesthesia and surgery.

We may also order specific diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork to check blood counts and organ function, an electrocardiogram (EKG) to evaluate heart rhythm, or a chest X-ray for a picture of your lung health.

Understanding your results and planning next steps

Once the medical clearance exam is complete and any test results are in, we review our findings with you. If your health poses no risks, you’re ready to proceed with your joint replacement.

However, if we identify any significant health concerns — such as high blood pressure, unstable blood sugar levels, severe osteoporosis, or an active infection — it could temporarily delay your clearance for surgery. 

Our team can help you get to where you need to be with a personalized treatment plan to address any issues. This may involve adjusting your medications, recommending new ones, or helping you make healthy lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking or losing weight.

Preparing for your medical clearance exam

To ensure your medical clearance visit goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible, a little preparation goes a long way. Before your appointment, be sure to gather any relevant medical documents or specialist reports, and jot down any questions or concerns you may have for us.

Make a list of all your current medications, including dosages, and any over-the-counter drugs or supplements. If lab tests are part of your clearance exam, remember to follow any fasting instructions you receive for the day of your visit.

This is also an excellent opportunity to get a head start on optimizing your health. Focusing on a balanced diet, regular low-impact physical activity, and quitting smoking now can make a big difference when it comes to your readiness for surgery.

Our priority is making sure you’re in the best possible condition for your upcoming joint replacement. Contact Internal Medicine Partners in Naples, Florida, today to schedule your medical clearance exam.