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HIP & KNEE REPLACEMENT

Preparing for hip or knee replacement

Practical steps that can help you approach surgery, hospital admission and early recovery with confidence.

Written by Mr Muhammad Umar, Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Reviewed: 21 September 2026

Your hospital will give you instructions specific to your operation, health and medicines. This guide explains the common preparation themes recommended by NICE and the NHS; always follow the instructions from your own surgical and anaesthetic team.

Preparation has two aims: to reduce avoidable risks and to make the first days of recovery easier. Small, realistic changes before surgery can be valuable.

Keep moving and practise your exercises

NICE recommends advice on exercises before and after hip or knee replacement. Continue suitable activity within your comfort and follow any programme given by your physiotherapist. Maintaining strength, balance and confidence can help you manage walking and daily tasks after surgery.

Support your general health

  • Smoking: stopping reduces risks to breathing, wound healing and infection. Ask your GP or pharmacy about support.
  • Food and weight: aim for a balanced diet with enough protein and fluids. If weight management has been advised, focus on sustainable progress rather than crash dieting.
  • Medical conditions: work with your healthcare team to optimise diabetes, anaemia, blood pressure and other conditions.
  • Skin, teeth and infection: tell the hospital about open wounds, infections, new dental problems, a cough, fever or feeling unwell before surgery.

Attend your pre-operative assessment

The pre-operative team reviews your health, medicines, allergies and home circumstances. Tests may include blood tests, blood pressure and other checks relevant to you. Bring an up-to-date list of prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal medicines. Do not stop blood thinners or other regular medicines unless your clinical team tells you exactly when and how.

Prepare your home and support

  • Arrange transport home and help with shopping, meals or caring responsibilities.
  • Move frequently used items within easy reach and reduce trip hazards.
  • Plan where you will sleep and wash, following any advice about stairs or equipment.
  • Discuss time away and a gradual return with your employer.
  • Keep the hospital’s contact details and your discharge information easy to find.

Know what to expect

Before consenting, you should understand the alternatives, likely benefits, important risks, anaesthetic and pain-relief options, expected hospital stay and rehabilitation. Recovery varies between people. Rehabilitation usually begins very soon after surgery, often on the day of surgery or within 24 hours when clinically appropriate.

Before admission

Follow the hospital’s instructions about fasting, medicines, skin washing and what to bring. Do not shave the operative area yourself. Contact the hospital promptly if you become unwell or if there is a change in your health.

Reliable sources

QUESTIONS BEFORE SURGERY

Use your consultation to make a clear plan.

Bring a list of your medicines and the questions that matter most to you.

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