Our free Joint Endeavors education class helps you prepare for hip or knee replacement surgery at Rush Copley Medical Center.
What Our Joint Endeavors Class Covers
You can attend the class virtually or in person. Rush Copley's Total Joint Replacement coordinator will lead the class and provide you with a surgical packet, which includes:
- Information on preparing for, and recovering from, joint replacement surgery
- Special soap to bathe with before surgery to prevent infection post-operatively
Preventing Infection After Joint Replacement Surgery
Most patients do well after a hip or knee replacement surgery. However, 1 to 2% of patients may develop an infection after the operation, which could require antibiotics or more surgery and increase the time it takes to recover.
All people carry bacteria on their skin, in their hair and in their nose, mouth and stomach. This normal bacteria can cause infection after surgery. One such bacterium is Staphylococcus aureus. About 20 to 25% of people carry it in their nose, where it usually does not cause a problem.
To decrease your risk of infection after joint surgery, you will be tested for Staphylococcus aureus in your nose.
Pre-Surgery Bathing
Another way to decrease infection is to clean your skin with special soap before your surgery.
We provide all joint surgery patients with antibacterial soap called Hibiclens (chlorhexidine gluconate). This soap helps reduce bacteria on your skin before surgery and needs to be used whether you tested positive or negative for Staphylococcus aureus.
You will receive complete instructions on how to use this soap before your surgery.
Class Details
When: The class is offered every Wednesday, usually from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Once a month, class will be held 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: All classes will be held at Rush Copley Medical Center, 2000 Ogden Ave, Aurora. The classroom will be either Conference Room 4 or Alumni II located on the basement level of the hospital. All classes are offered virtually via Teams at the same time as the in-person class. You will receive the Teams link one to two days prior to class.
Registering for class: Registration is required, unless you’ve taken the class within the past two years. To best meet your educational and testing needs, select a class seven to 30 days before your surgery. Please call (630) 978-3800 and press option #1 to sign up for this free class. For any additional questions or assistance, please call Rush Copley’s Total Joint Replacement coordinator at (630) 898-3849.