Preoperative Considerations for Knee Replacement

Before undergoing total knee replacement, various factors must be assessed to determine if surgery is the appropriate course of action. Patients should evaluate their overall quality of life and consider potential preoperative management strategies for knee osteoarthritis, including exercise and lifestyle modifications, to improve symptoms. Recommendations suggest a trial of non-operative management for around six months prior to considering surgery, while recognizing that individual health conditions may necessitate a shorter or longer timeframe. It's essential to weigh the benefits of delaying surgery against the risks of living with debilitating pain that restricts daily activities.