How to Prepare for Joint Replacement Surgery

If joint replacement surgery is planned for your knee or hip, good preparation can make the weeks around the operation easier to manage. This guide covers general, practical steps. Your surgeon and the hospital team will give you instructions specific to you, and those always come first.

Understand the plan

Before surgery, ask your surgeon to explain what the operation involves, the type of anaesthesia, how long you may stay in hospital, and what recovery will look like. Writing your questions down before the visit helps. Bringing a family member to the appointment is often useful, because it is easy to forget details.

Medical checks before surgery

• Blood tests, an ECG and other checks may be advised to make sure you are fit for anaesthesia.
• Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements and long-term conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems.
• Ask which medicines to continue or stop before surgery. Do not stop any medicine without advice.
• Mention any allergies and any past reactions to anaesthesia.
• Treat infections such as tooth problems, urine infections or skin infections before surgery, as your doctor advises.

Get your body ready

• Gentle exercises approved by your doctor or physiotherapist can keep the muscles around the joint active.
• If you smoke, stopping before surgery is helpful for healing. Ask your doctor for support.
• Eat a balanced diet and drink enough water.
• Ask whether weight management would help in your situation.

Prepare your home

• Keep the main living spaces on one floor if possible, and arrange a place to rest during the day.
• Remove loose rugs, cables and clutter that could cause a fall.
• Make sure there is good lighting, especially on the way to the bathroom at night.
• Consider a raised toilet seat, a shower chair and grab bars, if your care team suggests them.
• Keep commonly used items at waist height so you do not need to bend or reach.
• Check which walking aid you will need and learn how to use it.

Plan for help

You will probably need support with cooking, shopping, transport and daily tasks for a period after surgery. Arrange this with family or friends in advance, and keep important phone numbers in one place.

Practical things for the hospital stay

• Bring your ID, insurance papers, scan reports and a list of your medicines.
• Pack loose, comfortable clothes and sturdy, non-slip footwear.
• Ask about the fasting instructions, and follow them exactly.
• Ask about visiting rules and who can stay with you.

Know what to ask about recovery

Every patient recovers at a different pace. Ask your surgeon about pain control, wound care, physiotherapy, signs that need urgent attention, and when your follow-up visits will be. You can read more in our article on recovery after knee replacement.

Consult Dr. Ankkur Kumar in Pimple Saudagar, Pune

Dr. Ankkur Kumar is an orthopaedic surgeon who sees patients with knee and hip problems. You can read about knee replacement surgery in Pune, hip replacement surgery and joint replacement surgery in Pune, or book a consultation to discuss your own plan.

This article is general information and is not a substitute for a medical examination.