Understand the decision
Ask why joint replacement is being considered, what alternatives exist, what outcome is realistic, and what risks or tradeoffs matter in your situation.
REPLACEMENT READY
Preparation is more than the procedure date.
Use this section to organize questions, home logistics, transportation, support, equipment discussions, and follow-up. Your surgeon and care team—not this website—decide what is appropriate for you.
Updated August 3, 2026
Clarify the preparation plan
Follow the surgical team’s instructions for medical evaluation, medications, dental questions, testing, physical preparation, and the day of surgery.
Prepare the home
Discuss fall hazards, frequently used items, bathroom setup, sleeping arrangements, stairs, meals, equipment, and whether you will be alone.
Build the support plan
Identify transportation, the first nights at home, medication pickup, meals, pets, household responsibilities, and backup contacts.
Know the follow-up route
Write down who to call, expected follow-up, wound instructions, activity guidance, and warning signs specific to your procedure and health.
Plan for uncertainty
Recovery is individual. Build room for schedule changes, emotional strain, unexpected help needs, and questions that arise after discharge.
BROWSER-ONLY TOOL
Replacement Ready Checklist
Choose planning items, optionally save progress on this device, and print a discussion list. The checklist never determines surgical readiness.
LIVED EXPERIENCE — NOT MEDICAL ADVICE
Why this section matters to Michael
Michael Jannicelli underwent a right total knee replacement in July 2025. That experience reinforced his belief that clear questions, home organization, supporter communication, and knowing who to call can matter before and after surgery.
His experience is not a recovery promise, a universal timeline, or evidence of what another person should do. Always follow instructions from your own licensed surgical team.
About Michael and the siteYOUR NEXT STEP
Build your preparation checklist.
Use the browser-only tool, then compare the result with instructions from your surgical team.
SOURCE DESK
Authoritative starting points
These organizations publish the original guidance used to shape this page. External resources may change; confirm current information directly with the source and your licensed care team.
- AAOS OrthoInfo — Preparing for joint replacement surgery American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons preparation guidance.
- AAOS OrthoInfo — Questions for your joint-replacement surgeon Discussion prompts for a surgeon and care team.
- AAOS OrthoInfo — Joint replacement with limited resources Practical preparation ideas, including planning when someone lives alone.
- AAOS OrthoInfo — Activities after knee replacement Recovery guidance and warning signs that should be discussed with a surgical team.