How to Prepare for Knee Surgery: A Practical Guide for Patients
Why Preparation Matters
Patients who arrive at knee surgery in good physical and logistical condition consistently recover faster and with fewer complications than those who do not prepare. This holds for procedures ranging from arthroscopic meniscus repair to total knee replacement. Preparation is not about adding extra tasks before surgery — it is about removing obstacles that would otherwise slow your recovery.
The weeks before your scheduled date offer a window of opportunity. Your surgeon and care team will give you specific instructions tailored to your procedure, but the principles below apply broadly.
Medical and Physical Preparation
Discuss all medications with your surgeon. Certain drugs must be held before surgery. Blood thinners — including aspirin, warfarin, and newer anticoagulants — increase bleeding risk during the procedure and are typically stopped seven to ten days beforehand. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen also affect platelet function and are usually suspended one week prior. Do not stop any prescription medication on your own; your surgeon and primary care physician will coordinate a safe plan.
Manage underlying conditions. Blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight directly influence surgical outcomes. If your blood pressure is poorly controlled or your hemoglobin A1C is elevated, your surgeon may delay the procedure until these are optimized. A one-month window before surgery is a reasonable time to tighten control with your internist.
Strengthen the muscles around your knee. This is sometimes called "prehabilitation." Stronger quadriceps and hamstrings before surgery translate to better function and faster rehabilitation afterward. Your physical therapist can design a prehab program appropriate for your current pain level. Even two to four weeks of targeted exercise can make a difference.
Quit tobacco. Smoking impairs wound healing, increases infection risk, and is associated with slower bone healing after major orthopedic procedures. Your surgical team may require cessation at least four weeks before surgery.
Preparing Your Home
You will return home with reduced mobility, often on crutches or a walker for a period following the procedure. Set up your living space in advance so that your immediate recovery environment is safe and accessible.
Move your sleeping area to the ground floor if possible to avoid stairs during the first week. Place essentials — medications, phone charger, water, snacks, reading material — within reach of wherever you plan to rest most. Install grab bars near the toilet and shower if they are not already there. Remove loose rugs and any floor-level hazards that could cause a fall. A shower bench and a handheld shower head are practical additions for the first few weeks.
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home from the surgery center and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after a general anesthetic. Plan for help with grocery shopping, laundry, and cooking for at least the first week.
Day-of Logistics
Follow your surgeon's fasting instructions precisely. For most general anesthetic procedures, this means nothing by mouth — including water — for eight hours beforehand. Chewing gum and hard candies are also prohibited. This rule exists to prevent aspiration during anesthesia and is non-negotiable.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing with easy access to your knee — sweatpants or athletic shorts are ideal. Leave jewelry, contact lenses, and nail polish at home. Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and your medication list.
Your surgical team will review your history one final time on the day of surgery, confirm the operative site with you, and answer any remaining questions before you go to the operating room. This verification process is standard and important — participate fully.
What Happens After Surgery
A physical therapist will typically see you the day of or the day after your procedure and begin guiding early exercises. Compliance with your rehabilitation program — not just attending appointments but also completing the home exercises — is the single most important determinant of how well and how quickly your knee recovers. The surgical repair or reconstruction is only the starting point; the work of recovery happens in the weeks that follow.
If you're preparing for knee surgery and have questions about what to expect, the specialists at Maryland Orthopedic Specialists can help. Call (301) 515-0900 or [schedule an appointment online](https://www.mdorthospecialists.com/contact).
