Preparation before Knee Replacement surgery

Dr.Aashish Chaudhry, 3 mins read

Before Total Knee Replacement surgery

Having a total knee replacement (TKR) is a long way from a typical doctor’s visit. It’s important to take time to do your homework beforehand. Go through the process step by step to help ensure the best outcome from your surgery.

Preoperative and Preadmission Testing

You'll experience a preoperative assessment and testing after you’ve decided to move forward with a knee replacement. Your medical team will determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for surgery. They’ll identify any potential complications. This will help make your operation a successful one.

You’ll most likely undergo a preadmission checkup (PAC) one to two weeks before your procedure. This testing may include:

Physical exam detailed questionnaire: Baseline metabolic analysis of your kidneys, liver, and electrolyte status

Complete blood count, to rule out anemia Urinalysis testing, and Coagulation testing, to determine whether your blood will clot normally

You may also have an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram to make sure your heart is healthy.

Your doctor will request standing X-rays and likely an MRI scan to fully understand the condition of your knee. These images will help your doctor to see details about your knee. The results will help them make the right decision about the sizing and placement of your implant. The images will also help determine the best surgical approach.

Medication Adjustments

Your doctor may want to adjust your prescription if you’re currently taking any prescription medications. They may likewise endorse new medications to make the surgery proceed more smoothly.

Other Preparations

Sometimes people having TKR may need a blood transfusion after surgery for which one or two of your relatives or known may have to donate blood. You’ll receive screened blood from a blood bank that matches your blood type.

Your doctor or physical therapist may also ask you to participate in a muscle-reinforcing program before the surgery.

The activities you do before surgery will help your recovery by making your body more grounded and ready to recover better. These include exercises to increase your upper body strength to help you use crutches after your surgery as well as exercises to strengthen your legs. Exercises you may want to try include:

• Ankle pumps and circles
• Thigh squeezes
• Heel slides
• Leg slides
• Lying kicks
• Straight leg raises
• Knee bends
• Sitting kicks
• Chair push-ups

Your surgeon might also request you to attend a class that thoroughly explains the procedure. The class will help you comprehend what will occur at each period of the knee replacement process. Medical caretakers for the most part instruct these classes. You might also receive a DVD that explains all the steps from admission to discharge.

Your surgeon’s office will usually schedule the surgery 2-4 weeks from the time you have agreed to the procedure. The wait is a good thing: You can use this time to prepare both physically and mentally.

Also Read: Myths to Facts on Total Knee Replacement - Myths & Facts