How to Prepare for Knee Surgery

The preparation for minimally invasive arthroscopic knee surgery and fully invasive knee replacement surgery are much the same. The main differences will be in the way you prepare for going home and how you recovery once you are at home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Prepare For Knee Surgery Correctly

1. Have a thorough medical examination before beginning preparation for your knee surgery.

2. Check with your insurance company at least 1 week ahead of your surgery to obtain pre-authorization. Keep in mind that some companies will require more time though.

3. Re-confirm that all necessary pre-surgical authorizations have been made a few days prior to surgery.

4. Complete all diagnostic tests and pre-surgical lab work on schedule. Failure to fulfill your test obligations can cause your knee surgery to be postponed.

5. Exercise moderately to develop strength and flexibility for the surgery and for rehabilitation. Your doctor can suggest appropriate exercises.

6. Stop smoking. If you are unable to entirely quit, try to decrease the number of cigarettes you smoke.

7. Consider donating blood to be banked for your operation or ask others to donate blood for you.

8. Discuss anesthesia with your doctor and anesthesiologist. Inform them of any problems you may have had with anesthesia in the past.

9. Understand your options for pain relief. Your doctor will help you understand the different ways your pain can be managed while in the hospital and after you return home.

10. Do not take over the counter (OTC) pain medications for at least 1 week before surgery. This includes aspirin and ibuprofen.

11. Ask your doctor for a complete list of drugs that should be stopped prior to surgery, including any prescription medications.

12. Plan for your return home by arranging transportation home from the hospital or outpatient clinic if you are having day surgery.

13. Get someone to stay overnight with you after outpatient knee surgery.

14. Fill your post-operative pain medication before your operation if you are having day surgery. You will not want to have to visit the pharmacy after surgery.

15. Take nothing by mouth after midnight the day before your surgery.

16. Prepare your house for your return home. Have food stored and a bed ready if you are coming home immediately after outpatient surgery.

17. Research an appropriate bed if one will be necessary after your knee replacement surgery. Doctors often advise short term use of swing beds for their patients who have a joint replaced.

18. Obtain walking aids that are appropriate to your procedure. Some appliances may be supplied by the hospital.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not fly for at least 5 days after leaving the hospital. Airplane flights can increase the likelihood of a blood clot.
• Postpone dental work of all sorts for at least 6 months after your knee surgery as well.

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