Dear Patient:

It is our goal that you have the very best outcome possible for your joint replacement surgery.  For this reason, there are several reco- mmendations that we would like to make to you at this time that will help assure that outcome.

In preparation for your joint replacement surgery we recommend:
You take a good multivitamin, such as Centrum Silver or Theragram with minerals or any other brand-name vitamin, unless otherwise contraindicated by your personal physician.

We recommend that you take at least 500 mgs. to 1000 mgs. of Vitamin C per day, which is available over the counter in all pharmacies and health food stores.  Vitamin C is the "healing vitamin" that has been shown to have an extremely important effect on tissue healing following surgery, as well as assisting the absorption of iron into your body.

If you are in need of any significant dental work, that this be done prior to your surgery.  If you do not require any significant dental work, but if your teeth have not been cleaned within the last sixth months, we recommend you have your teeth cleaned at least one month prior to the surgery.  We also recommend that you use an anti-bacterial mouthwash, such as Listerine at least once a day.

You should maintain yourself nutritionally, as best as you are able to.

We strongly advise that you attend the joint replacement education class given at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center on the Orthopedic Floor, prior to your surgery.

Finally, it has been our experience over many years of doing large numbers of joint replacement that these common sense recommendations are very helpful in insuring the best possible outcome for your joint replacement surgery.  Our office will work with your medical doctor so that you will be ready for your surgery.

We will be happy to answer any questions for you in regard to these recommendations.

Sincerely yours,

John J. O'Brien, M.D. and Robert W. McAllister, M.D.
Hartford Orthopedic Surgeons, P.C.