Preparing for Total Knee Replacement: A Surgeon’s Checklist for a Smooth Recovery

Preparing well before total knee replacement is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your recovery.

 

Patients who optimize their health, prepare their home, and understand what to expect before surgery often experience:

•Fewer complications

•Better early function

•More predictable recovery

•Greater confidence after surgery

 

This guide outlines how I help my patients prepare for total knee arthroplasty and what I recommend in the weeks leading up to surgery.

 

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Medical Preparation

 

Before surgery, you may need evaluation by your primary care physician or specialists to ensure that medical conditions are well controlled.

 

This may include:

•Blood pressure management

•Diabetes optimization

•Heart or lung clearance, if needed

 

A careful preoperative medical evaluation helps reduce surgical risk and improve recovery.

 

Medications to Review

 

Some medications should be adjusted or stopped before surgery, including:

•Certain blood thinners

•Anti-inflammatory medications

•Supplements that increase bleeding risk

 

Always review your full medication list with your surgical team so appropriate adjustments can be made safely.

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Nutrition and Healing

 

Good nutrition plays an important role in wound healing, strength, and overall recovery after surgery.

 

Protein Intake

 

Adequate protein supports wound healing and muscle recovery.

 

I recommend focusing on:

•Lean meats, fish, and eggs

•Greek yogurt, beans, and legumes

 

Vitamins and Supplements

 

In many patients, optimizing certain nutrients before surgery can improve recovery and reduce complications, including:

•Vitamin D

•Iron, if you are anemic

 

Your medical team may evaluate and address these as part of your preoperative care.

 

Smoking Cessation

Smoking significantly increases the risk of infection, poor wound healing, and blood clots after surgery.

Stopping smoking before surgery is critical to reduce these risks and improve surgical outcomes.

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Prehabilitation: Strength Before Surgery

 

Patients who strengthen before surgery often recover more quickly and regain function sooner.

 

I encourage patients to focus on:

•Quadriceps strengthening

•Hip and core stability

•Gentle range of motion

 

Even a few weeks of prehabilitation can improve early outcomes after surgery.

 

For many patients, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Knee Conditioning Program is an excellent resource that provides safe, evidence-based exercises to perform before surgery.

 

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/knee-conditioning-program/

 

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Preparing Your Home

 

Before surgery, it is helpful to make a few simple changes at home to improve safety and comfort during the first weeks of recovery.

 

 

I recommend arranging:

•A clear walking path without clutter

•Removal of loose rugs or tripping hazards

•A stable chair with arms to assist with standing

•A raised toilet seat if needed

 

Placing commonly used items within easy reach can reduce unnecessary bending and make daily activities easier early in recovery.

 

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Planning for Help at Home

 

Most patients benefit from having some assistance at home during the early recovery period.

 

This may include help with:

•Meal preparation

•Medication organization and reminders

•Transportation to appointments and therapy

•Light household tasks

 

I recommend arranging support for at least the first 3–7 days after surgery, and longer if additional help is needed for safety and comfort.

 

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Mental Preparation and Expectations

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Recovery after total knee replacement takes time and does not happen all at once.

 

In the early weeks, it is normal to experience ups and downs. Some days will feel encouraging. Other days may feel slower. This variability is a normal part of healing.

 

Key expectations to keep in mind:

•Swelling is common and may persist for several months

•Progress is rarely linear — good days and slower days are expected

•Stiffness improves gradually as inflammation decreases

•Consistency and patience are essential

 

Understanding the typical recovery timeline helps reduce anxiety, set realistic expectations, and leads to a more satisfying recovery.

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A Final Word

 

Thoughtful preparation and a clear understanding of the recovery process can lead to a smoother recovery.

 

My goal is to guide every patient through a personalized, well-planned surgical experience — before surgery, on the day of surgery, and throughout recovery.

 

Recovery Simplified. Expert Joint Care.