Preparation for a Total Knee Replacement

Your knee and leg should not have any skin infections or irritation. Your lower leg should not have any chronic swelling. If these conditions are present, contact your orthopedic surgeon prior to surgery in order to best prepare your skin for surgery. You should not shave the surgical site area for two weeks before surgery.

Blood Donation

You generally will not be advised to donate your own blood prior to the surgery. If you have concerns about this, you should discuss them with your surgeon.

Medications

Tell your orthopedic surgeon about the medications you are taking, including vitamins and all supplements. You may be instructed to discontinue use of certain ones before surgery.

Dental Evaluation

Although the incidence of infection after knee replacement is very low, an infection can occur if bacteria enter the bloodstream. Treatment of significant dental diseases (including tooth extractions and periodontal work) should be considered before your total knee replacement surgery.

Urinary Evaluations

A preoperative urological evaluation should be considered if you have a history of recent or frequent urinary infections. For older men with prostate disease, required treatment should be considered prior to knee replacement surgery.

Social Planning

Though you will be able to walk on crutches or a walker soon after surgery, you will need help for several weeks with such tasks as cooking, shopping, bathing and doing laundry. If you live alone, your surgeon's office and a social worker or a discharge planner at the hospital can help you make advance arrangements to have someone assist you at home. They also can help you arrange for a short stay in an extended care facility during your recovery, if this option works best for you.

Home Planning

Several suggestions can make your home easier to navigate during your recovery. Consider these options:

  • Safety bars or a secure handrail in the shower or bath
  • Secure handrails along stairways
  • A stable chair with a sturdy seat cushion (height of 18-20 inches), a firm back, two arms, and a footstool for intermittent leg elevation
  • A toilet seat riser with arms, if you have a low toilet
  • A stable shower bench or chair for bathing
  • Removing all loose carpets and cords
  • Possibly a temporary living space on the same floor, walking up or down stairs will be more difficult during early recovery