Preparing for hip or knee replacement
Some planning and preparation before your joint replacement surgery at Fremantle Hospital will help you:
- be as healthy as possible before surgery
- have the supports you need in place for when you return home.
Preparing yourself also help us provide the best service to all patients by avoiding delays or cancellations on the day of surgery.
Being in the best health possible sets you up for a quicker recovery and better outcomes.
Talk with your general practitioner (GP) for advice on:
- managing chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or blood pressure
- healthy eating
- exercising
- reducing smoking and alcohol intake.
Watch a series of short videos to see how you can integrate these health and wellbeing tools into your lifestyle in the lead-up to surgery.
Being active and exercising in the lead up to your surgery:
- supports your recovery
- improves movement in the joint being replaced
- develops the strength of the muscles around the joint.
Any exercise you do should be guided by your own pain. We suggest you find an exercise you enjoy which requires some physical effort, such as swimming, cycling or the gym.
Please note we will reschedule your surgery if you are unwell or have any skin issues on the day of surgery. This is to reduce your risk of complications and infection.
If your general health changes
If your health changes before your surgery date – for example, you have a new medical condition or medication, any infection, or a cold or gastro – you must call your joint replacement nurse.
Keep your skin healthy
Please take care of your skin in the weeks before your surgery. It is important:
- all skin on the leg being operated on is in good condition
- you avoid activities that could lead to cuts, scratches or rashes – these can lead to infection and may mean your surgery needs to be rescheduled.
If you have any cuts, rashes or open wounds in the week before surgery, you must call your joint replacement nurse as early as possible.
Our hospital team will work with you to complete your pre-admission assessment. This will include either a phone call or in-person appointment to:
- make sure you are fit for surgery
- discuss your anaesthetic plan
- give you information about preparing for your operation, including what medications to take and stop, and when you will need to fast (stop eating and drinking)
- provide you with Bactroban ointment and Chlorhexidine body wash to reduce your infection risk when you come into hospital, and instructions on how to use these.
Your anaesthetist will talk with you about your medical history and wishes and you will agree on an anaesthetic plan. Depending on your anaesthetic, you may be awake during your surgery. Some people find listening to music through headphones a good distraction. If you prefer, your anaesthetist may be able to offer you a light sedation so you can sleep through the surgery.
Pain and swelling are normal parts of the healing process, but they can make your recovery uncomfortable. The following advice can help you be more comfortable and independent when you return home the day of, or the day after, your surgery.
Arrange extra support
After your hip or knee replacement, you should be able to do most essential activities such as showering and toileting independently. It is likely your joint will be painful, however, and you will need to rest a great deal in the first weeks following your operation.
For this reason, we strongly encourage you to arrange for family or carers to provide extra support when you return home.
When you first come home, you may need help to:
- get your medication and ice pack to reduce any swelling
- make a cup of tea or get a glass of water
- get in and out of the shower safely.
We also suggest you ask someone for help in the weeks after surgery with:
- household chores such as cleaning, meal preparation, food shopping, checking the mail and taking out the bins
- medical appointments and transport (see more information below)
- support and encouragement – your recovery may be painful and frustrating at times, and it can help to have someone support you and keep you on track.
If you are a carer for someone or have pets, you should make get extra support while you recover.
Please let us know before your surgery if you need help to arrange this extra support.
Arrange transport
We expect you to arrange and confirm your own transport to the hospital.
Please also arrange for someone to pick you up when it is time to return home – for most patients, this is the day after their surgery.
Set up your home
It is important to prepare your home for when you return after surgery. The following simple changes will help you.
- To reduce the risk of falls, clear trip hazards (including mats and rugs) and reduce clutter in your home.
- ‘Spring clean’ your house and garden so you won’t worry if you can’t manage these tasks for a while after surgery. Get someone to help if you need it.
- Cook and freeze some meals so you can eat healthily while you recover.
- Place kitchen and bathrooms items you use regularly within easy reach.
- Organise for your family or carers to visit and help as needed.
An occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist will see you before or after your surgery to discuss:
- how to manage essential activities such as showering and toileting at home
- your home environment
This helps you, your family and carers and your treating team identify potential issues and plan additional support required after your operation.
Collect your loan equipment
Our staff will talk with you about borrowing hospital equipment to maintain your safety and independence once you go home. This may include:
- an over toilet frame
- a shower chair or stool
- a height adjustable chair (if needed).
Watch short videos on how to use this equipment safely.
You will have a phone appointment with your joint replacement nurse the week before your hip or knee replacement to confirm you are ready for surgery.
We encourage you to ask any questions you may have about the surgery itself or your recovery.
For more information
For booking enquiries, phone the Elective Waitlist Service on 9431 2117 between 8.00am and 4:00pm, Monday to Friday or email Fremantle Hospital Waitlist
For other enquiries about your hip or knee replacement, phone the joint replacement nurse on 0468 634 212 or email the joint replacement nurse.
The next step in your journey
Read about your hip or knee replacement surgery at Fremantle Hospital, or return to Your joint replacement journey.