How to Prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery: A Complete Patient Guide

Knee replacement surgery, or knee arthroplasty, is a procedure to resurface a knee joint that has been damaged by injury or arthritis. The goal is to relieve pain & restore function to the joint.

Your decision to have this surgery is a major step. A successful outcome depends on both your surgeon's skill and your own preparation. Understanding what to expect & how to prepare can help you move toward a smoother, faster recovery.

When Is Knee Replacement Surgery Considered?

This surgery is a solution for severe joint damage. It is typically recommended only after all other non-surgical treatments have failed to provide adequate relief.

The most common conditions that lead to knee joint damage include:

• Osteoarthritis: This is the most common "wear-and-tear" form of arthritis, where the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joint, causing chronic inflammation and joint damage.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This can develop years after a serious knee injury, such as a bone fracture or a major ligament tear, which damaged the joint surface.

Your orthopaedic surgeon will use a combination of physical exams, X-rays, and your personal medical history to assess your joint. Surgery is generally recommended when you experience:

• Severe, persistent pain that limits or prevents you from doing everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of chairs.
• Moderate or severe pain even while at rest, either during the day or at night (pain that disrupts your sleep is a key indicator).
• Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve with rest or medications.
• A visible knee deformity, such as your knee bowing inward (knock-kneed) or outward (bow-legged).
• Failure of non-surgical treatments, including anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, assistive devices (like a cane), or joint injections.

Understanding the Potential Risks and Complications

Knee replacement is a very common and successful procedure. However, like any major surgery, it carries risks. Your surgical team will take extensive measures to prevent them, but it is important that you are aware of them.

Immediate Post-Surgical Risks:

• Blood Clots: This is one of the most common complications. Clots can form in your leg veins (Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT), which can be life-threatening if they break free & travel to your lungs (Pulmonary Embolism or PE). Your doctor will have a prevention plan that includes blood-thinning medication, compression stockings, and early movement.
• Infection: You can develop an infection at the incision site or deep within the new joint. While deep infections are rare (occurring in fewer than 2% of patients), they are serious and may require additional surgery and implant removal.
• Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: Nerves or some blood vessels in the surgical area may be injured in some rare cases, leading to weakness, numbness, or pain.

Long-Term Risks:

• Implant Loosening or Wear: Over many years, the plastic spacer in the artificial joint can wear down, or the metal components can loosen from the bone. This may require a "revision" surgery to replace the worn parts.
• Stiffness: Scar tissue can sometimes form around the joint, limiting your knee's range of motion. Following your physical therapy plan is critical to prevent this.
• Persistent Pain: While the goal is to eliminate pain, a small number of patients may still experience some pain after the surgery.

Medical Preparations

Once you decide on surgery, you will begin a series of pre-operative evaluations to ensure you are healthy enough for the procedure and to minimize risks.

• Orthopaedic Evaluation: Your surgeon will review your final X-rays, confirm the extent of the damage, and discuss the specifics of the procedure and the type of implant that will be used.
• General Health Clearance: You will need a complete physical examination from your primary care physician. This is to confirm that any chronic conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure) are well-managed. This check-up typically includes:
• Blood tests
• A urine test
• An electrocardiogram (ECG)
• The Dental Evaluation: This is a critical safety step. Any active infections in your body, such as from gum disease or an abscessed tooth, must be treated before your surgery. Bacteria from a dental infection can enter your bloodstream and travel to your new knee joint, causing a severe infection. Complete all necessary dental work (including extractions or deep cleanings) well in advance of your surgery.
• Medication Review: You must review your entire medication and supplement list with your doctor. You will be instructed to stop taking certain medications 7 to 14 days before surgery. These often include:
• Blood thinners
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Certain supplements known to increase bleeding

Preparing Your Body

You can play an active role in your own success by preparing your body for the stress of surgery and the work of recovery.

• Pre-Operative Exercises: Your doctor or a physical therapist may give you simple exercises to do in the weeks before your surgery. The goal is to strengthen the muscles that support your knee (quadriceps and hamstrings). A stronger leg going into surgery often leads to a faster, easier recovery.
• Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Good nutrition helps your body's tissues heal.
• Smoking Cessation: You must stop smoking. Nicotine slows the healing process, reduces blood flow to the skin, and significantly increases your risk of post-operative infection, blood clots, and complications with anesthesia. Your surgeon may require you to stop smoking for a set period before they will perform the surgery.

Preparing Your Home for a Safe Recovery

Your mobility will be limited when you first return home. You will be using a walker or crutches, and bending your knee will be difficult. Preparing your home in advance is essential for your safety.

• Eliminate Tripping Hazards: This is your first priority.
• Remove all loose throw rugs.
• Secure or tape down all electrical cords and cables.
• Ensure all pathways are wide enough for a walker.
• Set Up a Recovery Station: If your bedroom is on another floor, set up a temporary living space on the main floor for the first week or two. Place a firm chair with armrests or a bed here. Keep everything you need within arm's reach:
• Phone and charger
• Television remote
• Medications
• Tissues, water bottle, and snacks
• Modify Your Bathroom: The bathroom is a high-risk area for falls.
• Raised Toilet Seat: Install one with support arms to make sitting and standing much easier.
• Shower Chair or Bench: Get a stable bench or chair for use in the shower or tub.
• Secure Grab Bars: If possible, install secure (not suction-cup) grab bars.
• Gather Helpful Tools: These items will reduce your need to bend or reach, which will be painful or impossible at first:
• A "reacher" or "grabber" tool
• A sock aid
• A long-handled shoehorn
• A long-handled bath sponge

Arranging Your Personal Support System

You will need significant help for the first several days, and potentially for several weeks, after you return home.

• Assign a "Recovery Coach": Arrange for a family member or friend to stay with you 24 hours a day for at least the first week. This person will help you with meals, medications, changing dressings, and getting up to move.
• Organize Transportation: You will not be able to drive for 4 to 6 weeks. Arrange your ride home from the hospital and for someone to take you to your follow-up appointments and physical therapy.
• Plan for Daily Chores: You will need help with cooking, shopping, cleaning, and laundry.
• Prepare Meals in Advance: Cooking will be difficult. Consider preparing and freezing meals before your surgery so they are easy to reheat.

What to Do Before Surgery

Pre-Surgical Washing: Your surgeon will provide a special antibacterial soap for you to use. You will be instructed to shower with this soap the night before and the morning of your surgery. This is a crucial step to reduce the amount of bacteria on your skin and lower the risk of infection.

Fasting: You will be given strict instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. The most common rule is no food or drink after midnight the night before your surgery.

The Hospital Call: A hospital staff member will typically call you the afternoon before your surgery to confirm your final instructions and tell you exactly what time to arrive.

Packing Your Hospital Bag: You will only be in the hospital for 1-2 days, so pack light.

What to Bring:

• Your ID, insurance card, and any required hospital paperwork.
• A complete list of your medications, dosages, and allergies.
• Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for physical therapy and your trip home (shorts or loose pants are ideal).
• Slip-on shoes with a closed back and non-skid soles.
• Your labeled walker or crutches, if you already have them.
• Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.).

What to Leave at Home:

• All valuables (jewelry, wedding rings, watches).
• Large amounts of cash.
• Your actual medication bottles (the hospital will provide all medications you need during your stay).

Sterling Hospital is Your Partner in Better Health Across Gujarat

Sterling Hospital has proven itself to provide the best orthopedic hospital in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Rajkot. We provide you with the utmost care and comfort throughout your journey to healthy bones and joints. If you are looking for the best orthopedic doctor in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Gandhidham,  we've got you. Safeguard your bone health and contact Sterling Hospital to schedule a consultation and embark on a journey towards a healthier life.