Preparing for hip or knee replacement surgery starts before the admission date. Useful preparation can make the hospital stay and the first weeks at home more straightforward. This article outlines common steps. It is general education only. The treating surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital give the plan that applies to each person.
Hip or knee replacement is considered when arthritis or another joint condition causes enough pain and loss of function, and when non-operative care is no longer enough. Suitability is decided after examination and imaging. Not every patient who reads this article will be offered surgery.
Preparing for hip or knee replacement: medical review and tests
Most hospitals ask for a pre-admission assessment. This may include blood tests, an electrocardiogram and a review of other medical conditions. Tell the team about all medicines and supplements. Some blood-thinning medicines, anti-inflammatories and certain supplements need to be stopped or adjusted before surgery. Do not change prescribed medicine unless the surgeon or physician asks you to.
Dental infections, skin breaks near the planned incision and active urinary or chest infections should be treated before an elective joint replacement where possible. Smoking cessation supports wound healing. Better control of diabetes also supports healing. These steps reduce risk. They do not remove it.
Fitness and the home environment
Pre-operative physiotherapy, when it is feasible, can improve strength and confidence with walking aids. Practice using a frame or crutches if they will be needed after surgery. Arrange help at home for the first days. Meal preparation, transport and help with stairs matter more than most people expect.
Simple home changes can reduce early strain:
- Clear trip hazards
- Place frequently used items at waist height
- Consider a raised toilet seat or shower stool if balance is limited
- Plan a bed and chair that are easy to stand from
Weight management, if relevant, is worth discussing before surgery. Extra body weight increases load on a hip or knee replacement. Any change should be gradual and supervised when medical conditions are present.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring comfortable clothes, flat shoes that are easy to put on, current medicines in original packaging, and the hospital paperwork. Leave jewellery and large amounts of cash at home.
Most patients start walking with assistance on the day of surgery or the next morning. Hospital stay after a primary hip or knee replacement is commonly two to four days. Discharge depends on pain control, safe walking and home support. Routine inpatient rehabilitation is not required for every patient.
Driving, work and higher-demand activity are planned after surgery with the treating surgeon. Do not drive while taking strong opioid medicine, or before you can perform an emergency stop.
Questions worth asking before the operation
Useful questions include the planned procedure, the surgical approach, expected time in hospital, the physiotherapy plan, and the main risks. Ask what to do if redness, discharge, fever or calf pain develops after discharge. Write the answers down.
Possible complications of joint replacement include infection, blood clots, stiffness, fracture, dislocation after hip replacement, ongoing pain and the later need for revision. These events are uncommon after a primary replacement. They are still discussed before an operation is planned. The Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry reports population figures for implant survivorship. Those figures are not a guaranteed result for any individual.
Assessment in Sydney, Taree and Forster
This article is for general education only. It does not provide personalised medical advice. Outcomes vary between patients. A consultation is required to assess suitability for surgery and to plan preparation and rehabilitation.
Dr Adam Woodbridge assesses hip and knee osteoarthritis and performs hip and knee replacement at locations across Sydney (Chatswood, Bella Vista/Norwest and Balmain) and regional New South Wales (Taree and Forster). Further information is available at www.adamwoodbridge.com.au. Appointments can be arranged by calling (02) 8785 5422.