Knee Replacement Surgery
Complete preparation and recovery instructions for total and partial knee replacement surgery.
Is Knee Replacement Right for You?
This May Be Right for You If...
- • You have bone-on-bone arthritis confirmed by X-ray
- • Conservative treatments (medications, injections, PT) no longer help
- • Knee pain significantly limits your daily activities
- • You're medically stable enough for surgery
- • You have realistic expectations about recovery
This May Not Be the Best Fit If...
- • You haven't tried conservative treatments yet
- • Your pain is mild and manageable with medication
- • You have active infections or serious medical conditions
- • Your knee pain may be referred from your hip or spine (we can help determine this)
Not sure? Call us and we'll help you decide.
What to Expect: Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies by individual. Your surgeon will discuss your specific timeline.
Questions Before Surgery?
It's normal to have questions or feel uncertain before any procedure. Our staff is here to help you understand what to expect and address any concerns.
You can call us anytime during office hours. If you're not sure whether something is normal or a concern, call anyway—we'd rather answer your question than have you worry.
Call Us If You Have Questions About:
- Medications to stop or continue
- What to bring on surgery day
- Arranging help at home
- Any other concerns
Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-12pm
About Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery removes damaged cartilage and bone from your knee joint and replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic. This procedure can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.
Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after surgery and return to normal activities within 6-12 weeks. Full recovery, including return to all activities, typically takes 3-6 months.
Following these instructions carefully will help ensure the best possible outcome from your surgery.
Key Recovery Milestones
- Walking with assistance: Day 1
- Discharge from hospital: 1-2 days
- Physical therapy begins: Week 1
- Walking without aids: 4-6 weeks
- Return to driving: 2-6 weeks
- Return to most activities: 6-12 weeks
- Full recovery: 3-6 months
Pre-Surgery Instructions
2 Weeks Before Surgery
- Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and other anti-inflammatory medications
- Multiple over-the-counter supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, turmeric, ginger, etc.) can also increase bleeding risk - stop these as well
- If you take prescribed aspirin for heart health, consult your surgeon before stopping
- Stop taking blood thinners as directed by your surgeon or cardiologist
- Continue taking prescribed heart and blood pressure medications unless told otherwise
- Complete pre-operative testing (blood work, EKG, chest X-ray) as ordered
- Attend pre-operative education class if offered
- Arrange for someone to help you at home for the first 1-2 weeks
- If you have no help at home, talk to us about skilled nursing care postoperatively
Prepare Your Home
- Remove throw rugs and secure electrical cords to prevent tripping
- Install grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and shower
- Consider a raised toilet seat or commode chair
- Set up a recovery area on the main floor if possible to avoid stairs
- Stock up on easy-to-prepare meals and snacks
- Place frequently used items at waist level
- Have ice packs or a cold therapy device ready
The Night Before Surgery
- Do not eat anything after midnight
- You may drink clear liquids (water, black coffee, tea) up to 2 hours before arrival time
- If you take any GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Trulicity, etc.), do not take the dose within 2 weeks of surgery
- If you take any GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Trulicity, etc.), do not have any oral intake within 12 hours of surgery
- Shower with antibacterial soap (Hibiclens or Dial)
- Do not write on your non-operated leg or knee
- Do NOT shave your knee or leg - this can increase infection risk - the surgical area will be clipped by nursing
- Remove all visable and hidden jewelry and leave all valuables at home
- Pack a small bag with loose-fitting clothes, non-slip shoes, and personal items
- Get a good night's rest
Post-Surgery Care Instructions
Wound Care
- Keep the incision clean and dry - wet wounds do not heal properly
- Do not apply antibiotic ointments, lotions, or powders to the incision - these will make your wound wet
- Do not apply hydrogen peroxide or alcohol to the wound - these damage healing tissue
- Do not remove surgical skin repair sutures or staples - they will be removed by your surgeon
- You may shower 48 hours after surgery if your incision is dry
- Do not soak in a bathtub, pool, or hot tub for 4 weeks
- Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, drainage, fever)
Pain Management
- Take pain medications as prescribed
- Ice your knee for 20 minutes several times a day
- Elevate your leg when sitting or lying down
- Gradually decrease pain medications as pain improves
- Use over-the-counter Tylenol as needed once off prescription medications
Activity Guidelines
- Use your walker or crutches as instructed
- Walk frequently—short walks several times a day
- Do your physical therapy exercises daily
- Avoid twisting or pivoting on your knee
- Do not kneel on your operated knee for 6 months
- Avoid high-impact activities (running, jumping) long-term
Blood Clot Prevention
- Take aspirn or blood thinners as prescribed
- If you prefer compression stockings, they can purchaesed or prescribed
- Perform ankle pumps frequently throughout the day
- Walk regularly—do not stay in bed or sit for long periods
- Stay well hydrated
When to Call Your Doctor
While some discomfort is normal after knee replacement surgery, certain symptoms may indicate a problem that needs attention. Contact our office if you experience any of these warning signs.
Warning Signs
- Measured fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C)
- Redness, swelling, and warmth is common after knee replacement, however increasing redness, swelling, or warmth around the incision warrents a clinic visit
- Pus or progressive or increasing drainage from the wound
- Pain that is getting worse instead of better
- Calf pain, swelling, or tenderness
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (call 911)
- Numbness or tingling that gets worse - numb sensation on the outside of knee is common
Office: (580) 233-6707
Questions About Your Surgery?
Our team is here to help you prepare for a successful knee replacement.
(580) 233-6707