How to Prepare for Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is a life-changing procedure for those suffering from chronic pain and reduced mobility. Whether you are preparing for a knee or hip replacement, taking the necessary steps before your surgery can not only help reduce anxiety but also improve your overall recovery experience. 

At Dr Dan Cohen Orthopaedics, we provide expert care to Bondi Junction and Kogarah patients, ensuring they feel confident and informed at every stage of their surgical journey.

This guide outlines a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for joint replacement surgery, ensuring a smooth procedure and an effective recovery.

Why Preparation is Key for Joint Replacement Surgery

Proper preparation for joint replacement surgery allows for a more streamlined experience and a quicker return to your daily activities. Understanding the procedure, preparing your body, and ensuring your home is ready for recovery can significantly affect how smoothly the process unfolds.

Dr Dan Cohen and his expert team are dedicated to helping patients feel empowered and well-prepared for surgery. They offer personalised guidance tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Surgery Preparation

1. Understand Your Procedure

Understanding the process clearly before your surgery is vital. Schedule a thorough consultation with Dr. Dan Cohen to discuss the details of your joint replacement. 

During this meeting, don’t hesitate to ask questions such as:

• What does the procedure involve?
• What outcomes can I expect?
• What will recovery look like?

By understanding the procedure, you’ll feel more confident and reassured about what lies ahead.

2. Complete Pre-Surgery Medical Assessments

You will need to complete several medical assessments before your surgery date. These assessments, which may include blood tests, X-rays, or ECGs, help Dr Dan Cohen and his team ensure you are in optimal health for the procedure. You may require review by a physician before surgery.

Be sure to provide a complete medical history and list any current medications or supplements you are taking. This is crucial for identifying any potential risks during or after surgery.

3. Optimise Your Health Before Surgery

Your overall health is critical in ensuring a successful surgery and smooth recovery. Here are key ways to prepare your body for the procedure:

• Exercise and strengthen muscles – work with a physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joint. This will aid in post-surgery mobility.
• Maintaining a balanced diet – a healthy diet provides essential nutrients for recovery and boosts energy levels.
• Quit unhealthy habits – if you smoke, consider stopping. Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

4. Prepare Your Home for Recovery

Making adjustments to your home in advance can significantly ease your recovery experience. Here’s what to focus on:

• Remove tripping hazards – clear pathways of rugs, cables, and other obstacles.
• Create a recovery area – set up a comfortable space near essentials, such as your bed, phone, and medications.
• Organise mobility aids – if recommended, ensure items like crutches, walkers, or grab bars are in place.

A safe and organised home environment will allow you to move around easily and minimise strain on your healing joint.

5. Plan for Post-Surgery Support

Having a strong support system is essential during the initial days following surgery. Arrange for a trusted family member, friend, or caregiver to:

• Assist with everyday tasks like cooking, shopping, or personal care.
• Provide transportation to and from the hospital. 

It’s important to ensure that you can focus entirely on rest and healing without additional stress.

6. Pack Your Hospital Bag

Prepare a hospital bag well in advance to ensure you have everything you need for your stay. Here’s a helpful checklist:

• • Comfortable, loose clothing.
  • Toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and hairbrush.
  • Any medications you’re currently taking.
  • A list of emergency contacts and important medical documents.
  • Entertainment items like a book or headphones.
• Importantly, please ensure to bring all relevant scans on the day of surgery

Being fully prepared ensures you feel more comfortable and settle in easily during your hospital stay.

7. Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions

Adhering to Dr Dan Cohen’s specific instructions before surgery is critical. This may include:

• Fasting for a certain number of hours before the procedure.
• Stopping certain medications that could interfere with surgery.
• Ensure you have confirmed your procedure’s date, time, and location.

Sticking to these guidelines helps prevent complications and ensures everything runs smoothly on the day of your surgery.

Book Your Consultation with Dr Dan Cohen

Are you ready to move forward with your joint replacement surgery? At Dr Dan Cohen Orthopaedics, we’re here to support you through every step of the process. From preparing for surgery to guiding you through recovery, you’ll receive personalised, compassionate care tailored to your needs.

Our clinics are conveniently located in Bondi Junction and Kogarah, ensuring accessible care for patients across New South Wales.

Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility today. Contact Dr. Dan Cohen Orthopaedics to schedule your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surgery Preparation

How long before surgery should I stop eating or drinking?

Dr. Cohen’s team will provide exact instructions, but typically, patients should refrain from eating for a minimum of 6 hours before their surgery.  This includes consuming tea or coffee WITH milk, smoothies or any juices containing pulp. 

Clear fluids like water, apple juice or clear sports drinks can be consumed up to 2 hours prior to surgery. Dr. Cohen encourages you to consume a clear sports drink like Powerade © or Gatorade © the night prior and the morning of surgery.  This can help to curb the body’s stress response to surgery and assist with early mobilisation and recovery.

What should I do if I feel unwell before the procedure?

Contact Dr Dan Cohen’s clinic immediately. Depending on the nature of your illness, the surgical team may need to reschedule your procedure to ensure your safety.

In addition, if you develop a cut or graze on the surgical leg, please contact Dr. Cohen’s team immediately. Breaks in the skin can increase the risk of infection, and depending on the location, appearance, and time to surgery, we may need to postpone your operation to allow for healing and reduce your risk. 

Can I continue taking my regular medications?

Some medications may need to be paused or adjusted before surgery. Discuss these details with your surgeon and communicate any concerns you might have.