Every knee replacement starts with a couple of big questions: is this operation right for me, and is now the right time to have it? (You can read more about that choice in this article: Do I need a knee replacement?)
Once you’ve made the decision and joined the surgery list, though, the next question is: how do I prepare myself for this? A knee replacement – whether you’re having a total (TKR) or partial (PKR) – is a big operation, so there’s a lot to consider in the runup. Not least because the things you do now can have an impact on the success and recovery time of your new knee afterwards.
Pre-assessment
Pre-assessment is the process doctors use to make sure you’re well enough to have the operation, and to create your care plan. It usually involves a consultation or pre-admission clinic, where they’ll ask about your general health and any medications you take (certain medicines need to be paused in the days before the operation). They may also run some checks, like blood tests to check for anaemia, or blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. Pre-assessment is a good opportunity to ask questions about the operation too. It might be worth writing these down in advance, so you have everything in front of you on the day. After the appointment, you’ll receive a follow-up letter with more details about the hospital, what to do and bring with you on the day, medicine instructions, and so on.
For more detail see… Before surgery: Pre-operative assessment (NHS)
Prehabilitation
People sometimes think they should avoid activity in the runup to their knee replacement. Actually, it’s better to embrace it. Exercise has a number of powerful effects on the body: it improves blood flow, maintains bone strength, encourages a good range of motion in the joint, even increases pain tolerance. Crucially, it also strengthens the muscles that support the knee joint, which will be doubly helpful in the days after surgery when you’re less mobile. There are some good, targeted exercises for this (see the link below). And some gentle, “little-and-often” activities you can build on at home – a pedal exerciser by the sofa, for example. But perhaps the main advice is to keep working on the things you already do and feel comfortable with. Think of this period as like training for an event – even a marathon! – rather than as simply biding time before the big day.
For more detail see… 3 common exercises for knee replacement patients (blog)
Preparing for hospital
The month before your operation date is a good time to think about logistics. One thing you’ll want to arrange is travel to and from hospital. Most patients ask a friend or loved one to help; hospital checkout times can vary, so they may need to be flexible. Most patients are in hospital for 1-3 days with a knee replacement. So it’s worth thinking about an overnight bag and packing list, for instance:
Clothing – nightwear and loose-fitting clothes for the day
Footwear – eg slippers or slip-on shoes with a flat insole
Medication – medicines you’re taking, in their original packing so they can’t be mixed up
Washbag – toothbrush and paste, sanitary wear, shaving equipment, shampoo, small hand towel
Food – snacks or, if you have special dietary needs, food that might be difficult to buy in the hospital
You can find a more detailed breakdown of how to prepare for hospital in the article below.
For more detail see… Knee surgery checklist: 12 things to do before your operation (blog)
Preparing the home
With all the focus on the operation, it’s easy to forget what comes immediately afterwards. The first days after surgery can be hard, so it’s good to have a plan in place for when you get back home. Your pre-surgery checklist should include things like:
Food – consider making some of your meals in advance, stocking up the freezer, or asking friends and family if they might be able to help with a meal rota in the early days
Home-help – think about whether you might need an extra pair of hands for the first week or two; someone to help with things like cooking, cleaning, or even getting dressed
Walking aids – many people need a little extra support after a knee replacement, but there are several different types (see Which walking aids will you need after a knee replacement? for more).
Bed – make sure your bed is as easy to use as possible; some people like to raise their frame, or add an extra mattress, if the bed is low and might be difficult to get out of
Access – look at your home’s layout and how you can make it safe and manoeuvrable: think loose carpets, rugs, and everyday objects that might impede easy movement
For more detail see… Preparing for major surgery: 11 things to do now (blog)
Are you weighing up the possibility of a knee replacement? Or unsure if it’s right for you and what the alternatives might be? Chris Bailey Orthopaedics is happy to help you get the advice you need. You can book an appointment with Mr Bailey on our website, or by calling us direct. The team will be delighted to hear from you.
