Knee replacement surgery removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with an implant, and preparation can aid recovery. Your surgeon replaces worn cartilage and bone, and you receive a new artificial joint. Since recovery takes weeks, you need a plan before your surgery date. This is what you need to know to prepare for this surgery:
Get Assistive Devices
Assistive devices support your movement while your knee heals. You lean on them, and they take pressure off the joint during early recovery. Since balance feels different after surgery, these tools give you steady footing. Gather them before your knee replacement procedure.
When needed, typical items help with walking, sitting, and reaching. Ask your care team which devices fit your needs, and they will guide your choices. Renting some equipment saves money.
- Assistive walker or crutches
- Raised toilet seat
- Installed shower chair
- Long-handled reacher
Modify Home Set-up
Your home layout shapes how safely you move after surgery. Before you undergo surgery, clear the floor. Loose rugs and cords cause falls, so you remove them before your surgery date. A tidy path typically lowers your risk.
Set up one main living space on a single level. Keep daily items within arm’s reach, and stack them at waist height. Since stairs strain a healing knee, a ground-floor bed helps.
Lighting matters too. Add night-lights along your path to the bathroom. You move around at night, and bright hallways prevent stumbles. When you feel tired, good visibility helps to protect you.
Review Medications
Your medications need a review before surgery. Some drugs thin your blood, and your surgeon may pause them ahead of time. Since certain supplements affect bleeding, you share a full list. Write everything down.
Bring your list to your pre-op appointment. Include prescriptions, vitamins, and over-the-counter products. Your surgeon adjusts your schedule, and you follow those exact instructions. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
Fast Before Surgery
Fasting keeps your stomach empty before anesthesia. You stop eating solid food the night before, and your care team gives you a cutoff time. Since a full stomach raises risk, this step protects you during the procedure. Follow the timing closely.
Your team may allow small sips of water early on. They tell you when all liquids must stop. Set an alarm, and check your instructions twice. A clear plan keeps you on track.
- No solid food after midnight
- No gum or candy before surgery
Your body needs time to process food fully, so adhering to these rules is beneficial for your safety. Stop eating or drinking anything not listed to avoid complications. While it is strict, these guidelines make sure your procedure goes as smoothly as possible.
Schedule a Knee Replacement Consultation
Preparation starts with a conversation about your knee, so your surgeon reviews your health, and together you map out the steps ahead. Since every case differs, a consultation answers your specific questions. You perform each task before your surgery date, and the process becomes more clear. Call an orthopedic office today to schedule your knee replacement consultation.