Preparation for Knee Replacement Surgery

Before surgery, your doctors need to understand your overall health status. You will be evaluated in several ways.

• Complete medical evaluation. Your doctor will take your health history, an inventory of medications you now take, and will administer a total physical. X-ray images will be taken of your knee that help the surgeon plan your surgery. Some patients will also need chest X-rays, ECGs and other tests to ensure they are strong enough for surgery and recovery.
• Preliminary lab work. As part of your pre-admission process, you will need to undergo routine lab work. Your physician’s nurse can explain what each test is and why you need it.
• Blood donation. It is strongly recommended that the family members (or) relatives of the patients be the “DONORS” as it is the safest and ideal option.
• Increased leg strength (if you exercise)

To make your life easier post-operatively, it pays to think ahead about how to adapt your home environment for safety and greater efficiency. Here are some tips that can heal:

• Arrange for help now. You won’t be able to drive immediately after surgery. This means you will need the assistance of someone who can drive you to your follow-up doctor’s appointments, as well as help you with shopping and errands. Try to line up this person’s assistance now.
• Reorganize your home. Bending, kneeling and squatting will be impossible immediately following your surgery. Also remember, you will be on crutches or a walker for a while. Place everyday essentials in top drawers or easy-access places. Remove electrical cords and clutter that pose a hazard.
• Obtain assistance items. It makes sense to have certain assistance items ready when you return home. Some suggested items might be a cordless phone, large apron with pockets, reaching aids and bathing aids. Check with your surgeon and hospital to identify which items will be provided to you at discharge.

When packing your hospital bag, bring your list of medications and the telephone numbers of your relatives or designated “help” person. Bring walking shoes, loose, comfortable cloth, underwear, books, personal care items and cash for sundries. Please don’t bring jewelry, large amounts of cash, credit cards or other valuable items to the hospital with you.

It is very important to tell your doctor about every single medication you are taking, even aspirin or ibuprofen. Some medications are not compatible with anesthetic, and others could increase bleeding or cause other problems. Your physician will determine which medications you can continue up until your surgery, and which ones you must discontinue.