WHAT TO EXPECT …
YOUR KNEE REPLACMENT JOURNEY
This guide outlines the journey of your knee replacement - from preparation, through surgery day, to all stages of recovery. It’s designed to help you feel confident, prepared, and supported every step of the way.
Click the buttons below to jump to a specific stage, or scroll down for the full journey.
PREPARING FOR
SURGERY
Knee joint replacement surgery is a major undertaking. The more prepared you are ahead of time, the easier the experience will be (though it’s still a big deal!).
After surgery, you’ll need to think about things like shopping, meal preparation, transport, managing prescriptions, and pain relief, among other practical tasks.
A helpful way to plan is to work backwards from your surgery date — thinking in terms of 2 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days beforehand.
Identify the specific tasks that apply to your situation and make a plan that supports you through each stage.
We’ve created a handy check-list to help you with your preparation.
2 MONTHS TO GO
Medical Check
If you have not seen your GP in the last three months, it is sensible to have a general check‑up before surgery. You will also have a medical assessment with your anaesthetist prior to surgery. Bringing a copy of your health records and a current medication list will be helpful at this appointment.
Dental Check
Rotting, infected, or broken teeth can cause bacterial infections. With joint replacement surgery, there is a real risk that an existing infection could spread to the new joint. If you have known dental issues requiring treatment - particularly abscesses or teeth that may need extraction—it is essential to address these before surgery to minimise the risk of infection.
Skin Check
Take care to avoid cuts or scratches, especially within two weeks of surgery. Infected skin injuries may result in your surgery being postponed or cancelled on the day. If you need a skin cancer check or a skin lesion removed, try to schedule this well in advance of your knee surgery to reduce infection risk.
Support Person
A support person is an important partner in your recovery. While it is possible to manage independently, having someone to help will make the process much easier. If you do not have a spouse or partner at home, organise a friend, family member, or neighbour to assist you.
Home Help
We aim to have you independent with your basic care before leaving hospital, including getting in and out of bed, dressing, showering, and mobilising with crutches. Ideally, your support person will be with you at home for at least the first two weeks. If you will be alone, forward planning may allow you to manage without shopping or housework for the first few weeks. If not, allow plenty of time to arrange home help through an independent agency.
Exercise
Exercise regularly, as much as your knee allows, in the lead‑up to surgery. Familiarise yourself with the exercises you will need to do afterwards. Consider starting physiotherapy before surgery and establishing a relationship with a physiotherapist. A stationary bike (“exercycle”) is the best piece of equipment to borrow or hire if you don’t already have one. If walking or using a treadmill is too difficult or painful, walking in a pool can be a good alternative.
Reduce Alcohol Intake
If you usually have more than one alcoholic drink per night, consider reducing this before surgery. Alcohol can interfere with pain medication and contribute to confusion, anxiety, and disorientation after surgery.
Reduce or Stop Smoking
Smoking significantly affects the body’s ability to heal wounds and can lead to delayed healing or wound infection after surgery. It also impairs bone and soft‑tissue healing and increases the risk of breathing or respiratory complications. Reducing or stopping smoking two months before surgery will make a meaningful difference to your recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Weight Loss & Diet
Consider losing weight before surgery if this is appropriate for you. There is a direct relationship between obesity and the risk of complications after surgery. Review healthy diet choices and plan your meals for after surgery.
2 WEEKS TO GO
Preoperative Assessment with Anaesthetist
Your anaesthetist will contact you directly to arrange a pre‑surgery medical check, usually in person. At this appointment, your medical history, current medications, and general health will be reviewed. You will have a general examination, including listening to your heart and lungs, and you may have an ECG.
Your anaesthetist will discuss your anaesthetic plan and pain‑relief options for after surgery, explain the risks, and outline how these will be managed. This is the ideal time to ask questions or raise any concerns. If you have questions about your anaesthetic or appointment, please call the anaesthetic office, Monitech, on (07) 543‑4569.
Pre-admission with Grace Hospital
Specialist pre‑assessment nurses from Grace Hospital will arrange a detailed review, either in person or by phone. This takes 30–60 minutes. Grace Hospital physiotherapists will also contact you—usually by phone—to review your circumstances and plan any post‑operative aids you may need, such as crutches, helping‑hands, leg lifters, or commode chairs.
Ensure all Paperwork & Consent Forms are Signed
You will receive an “Admission Pack” -this is a folder with all the paperwork for Grace Hospital and for your insurance company. This will include the consent for surgery.
The Patient Admission Form may be filled out online, but it is vital that you bring your consent form and other documentation with you on the day of surgery.
The surgeon will have signed the consent form already. Please check the correct procedure is stated and that you are happy that all your questions have been addressed. If so, please sign and date the consent for surgery before you come into hospital.
Note that there is a second area of the consent form regarding blood transfusion. Whilst this is very unlikely to be required, please indicate whether you are prepared to accept blood products if required and sign and date this as well.
Blood Tests
Routine blood tests are required before surgery. Please try to complete these before your anaesthetic appointment if possible. Instructions for these tests are included in your Admission Pack.
Ensure all Insurance, ACC & Payment Plans are in place
Different funders have different arrangements. Make sure you understand your obligations and who is responsible for payment well before committing to surgery.
Plan Admission & Transport - BEWARE TAURANGA TRAFFIC!
Grace Hospital will advise your admission time. It is very important to arrive on time. If you have questions about your admission time, contact Grace Hospital on (07) 577 5270.
Plan your transport and who will accompany you. You will not be able to drive yourself home. If travelling from outside Tauranga, check Google or Apple Maps for Grace Hospital at 281 Cheyne Rd, Pyes Pa.
Be aware that early‑morning congestion can add an hour or more to travel time.
Plan Discharge: Who, How & Where
Plan who will pick you up after surgery, where you will recover, and how you will get there. You can travel in a normal car (but cannot drive). Reclining the front seat or using extra pillows can help.
If your journey is longer than an hour, consider breaking it into 60–90‑minute intervals for stretching and rest.
2 DAYS TO GO
Questionnaires
You will be emailed questionnaires from Tauranga Orthopaedic Research (torsi@orthocentre.co.nz), sent on behalf of Mr Lamberton.
These questionnaires measure your knee function and disability before surgery, and then again one year afterwards to assess your improvement. We also repeat these surveys at 5, 10, and 15 years to ensure your knee replacement continues to function well over time.
This provides you with both short‑ and long‑term reassurance, and - anonymously - allows us to combine your results with those of other patients to ensure we continue offering the best possible surgical care.
Please complete these email questionnaires as part of your preparation for surgery.
Body Wash
Grace Hospital will provide you with body wash and instructions for showering the night before and the morning of your surgery. Antiseptic nasal swabs may also be recommended. If you have any questions, call Grace Hospital Admissions on (07) 547‑5222.
Nil by Mouth & Carbo Drinks
Grace Hospital will advise you when to stop eating and drinking before surgery. They will also provide guidance on taking carbohydrate drinks on the day of surgery. For any questions, contact Grace Hospital Admissions on (07) 547‑5222.
Confirm Transport Plan to Hospital & Admission Time
Confirm your plan for getting to hospital - who is taking you, how you are getting there, and when you need to leave.
Confirm Discharge Plan
Confirm your plan for getting home after surgery - who is collecting you, how you will travel, and where you will be recovering.
DAY OF YOUR
SURGERY
Arrival & Check-In
Arrive at the hospital at the time provided in your pre-op instructions.
Check in at reception and you’ll be guided to the pre-operative area.
A nurse will confirm your details and help you get settled and changed into a hospital gown.
Meeting Your Surgical Team
You’ll meet your anaesthetist and surgeon before the procedure.
They’ll review your consent form and answer any final questions.
Anaesthesia options will be confirmed.
In the Operating Theatre
You’ll be taken to theatre once everything is ready.
The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours.
You’ll be closely monitored throughout by the surgical and anaesthesia teams.
Recovery Room
After surgery, you’ll wake up in the recovery area.
Nurses will monitor your vital signs and manage your comfort.
Once stable, you’ll be transferred to the ward to begin recovery.
Support Person Information
Your support person may wait in the designated area, usually your room in the ward.
Staff will provide updates after surgery and let them know when you’re ready to be seen.
Please ensure they bring any essentials you may need post-op.
RECOVERING FROM
SURGERY
RECOVERY IN HOSPITAL
Pain Management
Nurses will help manage pain with medication and comfort measures.
Tell staff if your pain isn’t controlled—they can adjust your plan.
Early Mobility
You’ll begin gentle movement soon after surgery.
Physiotherapists will guide you through safe exercises.
Follow hip precautions: no bending past 90°, no crossing legs, no twisting.
Physiotherapy
Simple exercises like glute squeezes, ankle pumps, and gentle hip abduction.
These help circulation, prevent stiffness, and build strength.
Occupational Therapy
Learn safe ways to get in and out of bed, dress, and bathe.
Practice using aids like reachers or sock helpers.
Discharge Planning
Staff will confirm your home setup and support arrangements.
You’ll be discharged once you’re safe to manage daily tasks with support.
RECOVERY AT HOME
Wound Care & Hygiene
Keep your dressing clean and dry.
Follow instructions for showering and wound checks.
Mobility & Walking Aids
Use crutches or a walker as advised.
Gradually increase walking distance each day.
Daily Routines
Avoid bending or twisting at the hip.
Use raised seating and aids to reduce strain.
Ask for help with cooking, cleaning, and groceries.
Nutrition & Emotional Wellbeing
Eat balanced meals to support healing.
Rest, but keep moving gently to avoid stiffness.
Stay connected with friends and family for support.
FOLLOW-UP & LONG-TERM RECOVERY
Clinic Visits
You’ll return for check-ups at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year.
Milestones
Walking unaided, driving, and returning to work are gradual goals.
Your surgeon and physiotherapist will guide you.
Long-Term Hip Precautions
Avoid pivoting or deep bending.
Keep strengthening exercises part of your routine.
Exercise Progression
Move from gentle exercises to more active rehabilitation.
Swimming and cycling are often recommended once cleared.