Knee and hip pain can become more than just a nuisance—it can be life-altering. If you’re struggling with longstanding knee and hip issues due to arthritis or injury, your GP may suggest a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon to investigate options of surgery. The most common surgery for osteoarthritis is a total knee replacement (TKR) and total hip replacement (THR) whereby bone and articular surfaces are replaced.
In this two-part series, we’ll walk through everything you need to know—starting with what leads up to surgery and what happens after surgery.
Why Do People Get Joint replacements?
Most candidates for TKR and THR suffer from:
- Severe osteoarthritis: cartilage has worn down, causing reduced space between bones.
- Rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis.
- Limited mobility and pain that no longer responds to medications, injections, or
physical therapy. - Joint deformities (e.g., bow-legged, knock-kneed alignment or hip dysphagia).
These symptoms often impact day-to-day life—walking, climbing stairs, sleeping, or even sitting
for extended periods becomes painful.
Pre-Operation Phase: The Road to Surgery
1. Initial Evaluation
Your orthopaedic surgeon will conduct:
- Physical exams
- Imaging (X-rays, sometimes MRIs)
- Functional assessments (walking, stairs, range of motion)
They’ll also assess your overall health to make sure you’re fit for surgery.
2. Prehab: Preparing for Success
Prehabilitation, or “prehab,” refers to physical therapy before surgery. It’s a critical but
sometimes overlooked part of the process.
Goals of prehab include:
- Strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes
- Improving range of motion as much as possible
- Learning how to use crutches or walkers
- Setting expectations and building confidence
Research shows that people who do prehab often recover faster post-op and regain function
more quickly.
3. Mental and Practical Preparation
Other ways to get ready:
- Plan time off work (usually 6–12 weeks)
- Prepare your home (remove tripping hazards, set up a first floor sleeping area if needed)
- Arrange support for meals, transport, and post-op appointments
Up Next in Part 2:
We’ll walk through the rehab process, what recovery looks like at each stage, and how to give
yourself the best chance for a strong, pain-free knee. if you feel you would benefit from a
comprehensive knee or hip assessment to gain an understanding of the management of your
injury, feel free to book online or call us on 039885457.