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Total Joint Replacement Surgery

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Total joint replacement in less time with less pain. Marshfield Clinic's PremierCare™ program can have you back home in as little as one day.

PremierCare™ results from our efforts to continually improve health care value and provide excellent patient experience. It is an innovative, evidence-based surgical care approach designed to deliver high-quality outcomes. You can expect:

  • High-quality care
  • No unnecessary tests or procedures
  • Service excellence

In applying PremierCare®, Marshfield Clinic total joint replacement focuses on the loss of joint cartilage due to age, overuse, injury, arthritis and other connective tissue diseases or congenital conditions.

The total joint Orthopedic specialist's goal is to reduce your pain and restore joint function to improve mobility and quality of life. New surgical techniques and advances have lessened recovery times, enhancing replacement reliability and longevity.

Marshfield Clinic's experienced total joint specialists perform hundreds of procedures in a year, including:

  • Ankle replacement
  • Hip replacement
  • Knee replacement surgery
  • Shoulder replacement

Robotic and Computer-Assisted Surgery

Marshfield Clinic Health System has both the orthopedic expertise and smart technology to provide a more precise placement and alignment of the implant, which may result in smaller incisions, quicker recovery, shorter hospitalizations and less pain. Learn more about robotic and computer-assisted surgery.


Click below to gain valuable information that may be useful throughout your joint replacement surgery journey.

Before Joint Replacement Surgery

Total joint replacement – bring your total joint replacement binder with you on the day of surgery.

Enlist a coach - your coach will provide emotional and physical support along with transportation on the day of discharge and for your follow-up appointments.

Pre-surgery exercises - start your pre-operative exercises. They are very important to do and can aid in a quicker recovery after surgery.

Dental needs - visit your dentist six months or less before surgery.

Medical leave papers - bring your medical leave papers to Orthopedics at least one month before your surgery date so they can be completed before your surgery.

Medications - stop the following medications 3 – 10 days before surgery unless told otherwise during your pre-operative physical exam:

  • Aspirin
  • Anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, Aleve, Naprosyn)
  • Fish oil
  • Vitamin E
  • Plavix

Skin prep before surgery - shower or take bath with the CHG soap that was provided. Use this soap the evening before surgery and the day of surgery.

Prescription medication instructions - if you are instructed to take Coumadin, the evening before surgery, do so following your surgeon's instructions.

Eating and drinking restrictions:

  • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
  • The morning of surgery take your medications with only sips of water.

After Joint Replacement Surgery

Total joint replacement – bring your total joint replacement binder with you on the day of surgery.

How to recognize and prevent complications.

Infection signs:

  • Increased swelling and bright redness in the surgical area
  • Change in color, amount, or odor of drainage
  • Increased pain in surgical area
  • Fever greater than 102°F - take your temperature

Symptoms of a blood clot

Blood clots can be in your leg or arm:

  • Swelling in thigh, calf, ankle, arm, hand or shoulder that does not go down with elevation.
  • Pain, heat, and tenderness in calf, back of knee, or groin area.

How to prevent a blood clot:

  • Ankle pumps
  • Walk
  • Exercise hands or arms
  • Take prescribed blood thinners

Pulmonary embolus (blood clot in lungs)

A blood clot in your lung is an emergency. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if a blood clot is suspected.

Symptoms of a pulmonary embolus:

  • Sudden chest pain or chest discomfort
  • Difficult and/or rapid breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Confusion

Prevent a pulmonary embolus (blood clot):

  • Ankle pumps
  • Walk
  • Take prescribed blood thinners