Adequate preparation is a significant factor that can influence the experience and outcome of knee replacement surgery. This list provides a structured overview of steps to consider when preparing for the procedure.
1. Medical Evaluation and Consultations
Schedule a comprehensive medical evaluation with your primary care physician and surgeon. This assessment ensures you are medically optimized for surgery. It may include blood tests, a heart electrocardiogram (EKG), and a chest X-ray to check your overall health status.
2. Review and Manage Current Medications
Provide your surgical team with a complete list of all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. You may be advised to stop taking certain drugs, like blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications, several days before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
3. Dental Check-Up
Consider completing any major dental work before your surgery. Dental infections can theoretically lead to bacteria entering the bloodstream, which could potentially cause an infection in the new joint. A routine cleaning is also a prudent preparatory step.
4. Preoperative Physical Therapy
Engaging in physical therapy before surgery, often called “prehab,” can be beneficial. Strengthening the muscles around your knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, can make rehabilitation after the surgery more manageable and may improve functional outcomes.
5. Home Preparation and Safety Modifications
Prepare your home for your return after surgery. This can minimize the need to navigate stairs or move around excessively. Useful modifications include:
- Setting up a living space on the ground floor.
- Removing loose rugs and electrical cords to prevent tripping.
- Installing safety bars or a secure handrail in the shower or bath.
- Placing a stable shower chair or bench in the bathroom.
- Obtaining a raised toilet seat.
- Ensuring frequently used items are within easy reach.
6. Arrange for Post-Surgery Support
Plan for assistance after you return home. You will likely need help with tasks like cooking, shopping, laundry, and transportation to follow-up medical appointments for the first few weeks. Arrange this support network in advance.
7. Plan for Mobility Aids
Your surgeon will prescribe mobility aids such as a walker or crutches. Acquire these before your surgery date. Practice using them at home to become familiar with their operation, ensuring a safer environment post-surgery.
8. Focus on Nutrition and Hydration
Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can support healing. Staying well-hydrated before surgery is also important. If you smoke, stopping or reducing smoking beforehand can improve blood flow and enhance recovery.
9. Complete Necessary Errands
Complete major shopping trips, bill payments, and other chores before your surgery. Having these tasks done will allow you to focus entirely on your recovery without additional stress.
10. Understand the Procedure and Recovery Process
Educate yourself on what to expect during the hospital stay and the recovery period. Knowing the typical timeline for rehabilitation, the goals of physical therapy, and the normal sensations after surgery can help manage expectations and reduce anxiety.
11. Preoperative Fasting
Follow your medical team’s instructions regarding fasting. Typically, you will be instructed not to eat or drink anything, including water, for a specified period (often 8-12 hours) before your surgery to prevent complications during anesthesia.
12. Pack a Hospital Bag
Pack a bag for your hospital stay with essential items such as comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, slip-on shoes, personal hygiene products, your insurance information, and any reading materials or devices to help pass the time.