How to prepare for knee replacement surgery
The more prepared you are for your knee replacement surgery, the better equipped you’ll be for a strong recovery. At Penn Medicine, our orthopaedic team will guide you through the process to help you understand how to prepare for your surgery and knee replacement recovery. The specific details of your individual treatment plan, post-operative care, and recovery time may vary, but the preparation steps we describe here apply to all kinds of knee replacement surgery, including robotic-assisted knee replacement.
Support from family and friends is also important for your recovery. We encourage you to bring someone with you to your appointments, so they understand the surgical procedures and expectations and can ask questions and take notes. This will help them assist you throughout your care journey.
Preoperative testing for knee replacement
A preoperative testing appointment is scheduled within 30 days of your surgery. This may include a medical evaluation, blood samples, electrocardiogram, stress test, chest x-ray, and urine sample. The tests indicate whether your body is ready for surgery or if there are conditions that need special attention first.
Please come prepared to discuss:
- Advance directives
- Dietary restrictions or allergies
- Medical conditions
- Medications and supplements you take
- Your primary care doctor and specialists
- Prior surgeries
Blood donation prior to surgery
You may lose some blood during your surgery, so your surgeon will make recommendations on how to prepare. These may include iron supplementation to help build your supply and lessen the need for a blood transfusion. Your surgeon may also encourage you to donate your own blood for use if it’s needed during your surgery.
If you don’t wish to accept blood products, some locations offer a safe, unique bloodless surgery program. Your care team can answer any questions you may have about this program.
Lifestyle changes before knee replacement
There are changes you can make in your personal life and around your home in preparation for surgery to help in the recovery process.
Smoking can prevent bones, tissue, and skin from healing and lower resistance to infection. However, research shows that if you stop smoking before surgery, you reduce your risk of complications. If you need help, some of our locations offer a Smoking Cessation Program.
Excess weight can increase your risk of infection and other complications. We’ll encourage you to get in better shape before surgery if possible. But we understand that your knee pain is causing physical limitations, which are part of why you need this surgery. Follow your physical therapist’s guidance regarding performing exercises to prepare for knee replacement.
Reasonable, realistic weight loss may be achieved by:
- Controlling portion sizes
- Drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary beverages
- Eating at regular times throughout the day
- Eating slowly
- Knowing how many calories are in the foods you eat
To avoid complications, do not take blood thinners in the days leading up to your surgery. You should only take medications recommended by your surgeon.
In addition to avoiding certain medications before surgery, you should avoid alcoholic beverages, which can cause increased bleeding and dehydration.
Schedule dental procedures for at least six weeks prior to surgery, and do not schedule any further dental work until three months afterward. Germs in your mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting your new joint.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for a few days.
Some modifications could help you live more independently as you recover:
- Organize your closet, dresser, kitchen, and bathroom to put most-used items within easy reach
- Store prepared meals in the freezer
- Remove trip hazards such as rugs and cords
- Adjust your bed height
- Install a toilet seat lift and shower chair
There are also adaptive devices that can aid in dressing, bathing, and reaching.
Knee replacement classes
In addition to providing verbal and printed educational materials, your care team will register you for a free class where you can obtain detailed information about what to expect before and after surgery. Members of our orthopaedic team will outline what to expect, offer tips, and answer any questions you may have as your surgery date approaches. To help you digest what you learn in class, we encourage you to invite a family member or friend to join you. We’ll cover topics such as:
- Preoperative screening
- How to prepare the day of surgery
- What to expect after surgery
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Plans for the return home