How should I prepare for knee replacement surgery?

Prehab: strengthen before you operate

People who go into surgery with stronger thigh muscles and better movement often find early rehabilitation easier. A simple programme of straight leg raises, sit-to-stand, thigh tightening with the knee straight, gentle bending and stationary cycling, done most days for several weeks, is enough for most. Practise walking with crutches or a frame and climbing a step with them, so it is familiar afterwards. If you are carrying extra weight, even modest weight loss helps.

Health checks and medicines

• Diabetes: your HbA1c is checked; if it is high, surgery may be delayed until it improves, because this lowers the risk of infection and wound problems
• Blood pressure, heart and kidneys are reviewed, and anaemia is treated in advance
• Blood thinners such as warfarin, clopidogrel or the newer anticoagulants usually need a specific plan for stopping and restarting; never stop them without advice
• Some diabetes and rheumatology medicines also need adjusting around surgery
• Have any dental problems treated and make sure the skin on the leg is healthy
• Stop smoking, ideally several weeks before

Preparing your home and family

• A firm chair with armrests, at a height where your hips are above your knees
• A raised toilet seat or toilet frame, a shower chair and a non-slip mat
• Clear walkways, rugs removed, night lights to the bathroom
• Frequently used items moved to waist height
• A bed on the ground floor for the first weeks if stairs are hard
• A family member or helper at home for the first one to two weeks
• Transport arranged for physiotherapy and follow-up visits

Planning the timing

Think about Ramadan, work commitments, school holidays and travel. Many people prefer not to be in the early recovery phase while fasting, and long flights are usually postponed until several weeks after surgery. Ask your insurer about pre-approval early. At Aman Hospital, Dr. Gelber and the team go through the pre-operative assessment with you, explain the day of surgery and agree a recovery plan before you are admitted.