Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery

Enhance your outcome of knee, hip or shoulder replacement surgery at Cone Health by carefully following our preparation guidelines. Learn how to get yourself, your family, and your home ready for when your day of surgery day arrives.

View Pre-Surgery Education Videos

Please select the group of videos that applies to your situation and watch the videos in order. These will help you better understand preparation, physical activity and discharge planning needed for a successful joint replacement experience.

Pre-Surgery Reminders

Choose a Caregiver

One of the most important steps you can take is arranging for someone to stay with you for one to three weeks after you return home from surgery. This person can help you with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, preparing meals and getting to doctor visits.

Prepare Your Home

Before leaving for the hospital, remove rugs, clutter, electrical cords and other trip hazards from floors and stairs in your home. Put frequently used kitchen utensils and personal items in easy reach. Make and freeze meals in advance for easy breakfasts, lunches and dinners during recovery. And make sure you have a high, firm chair with armrests to help you sit and stand.

Prepare Yourself

Take the time to do quick, easy exercises as recommended by your surgeon several times a day in the weeks before surgery to tone muscles and speed healing. Ask your orthopedic doctor if you should stop taking any medications or supplements—especially blood thinners or over-the-counter pain relievers. If you smoke, talk to your physician about nicotine patches or other tobacco-free alternatives. You may not smoke at the hospital.