Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery

Before your knee replacement surgery, your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and any other current medical conditions you may have, including allergies. Let your healthcare provider know if you have allergies to latex, iodine, Betadine^®, seafood, soybeans, or any medications, such as penicillin.

 

Also let your healthcare provider know beforehand if you are currently taking aspirin, blood thinners, pain medicine like Motrin^® or Advil^®, or other prescription medications. Some of these may need to be stopped at least seven days before the knee replacement surgery. Therefore, it is always helpful to have a list of your medications with you.

 

If you have any other significant medical problems, you may also undergo other tests and be examined by other doctors to make sure that these conditions are under control before your knee replacement surgery. You may be asked to donate blood, because during or after the knee replacement surgery you may need a transfusion, and your own blood is the safest blood to receive.

 

You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before your surgery. In certain cases, you may even be required to stay in the hospital the night before surgery. Knee replacement surgery is performed on an inpatient basis, meaning that you will stay in the hospital after surgery as well. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions as to where and when to arrive at the medical facility, how to prepare for your surgery, and what to expect the day of and the days following your surgery. The average hospital stay is three to seven days.