Guide to Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Be Prepared for Your Discharge
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU HAVE ANY REQUIRED EQUIPMENT BEFORE YOU GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR SURGERY. Having the equipment in place ahead of time will give you the opportunity to practice with it before surgery so that you can manage better at home after you are discharged.
You should have the following equipment for approximately 6 weeks following surgery to help protect your knee and avoid forced bending during activities of daily living:
- Crutches and/or walker
- Raised toilet seat (preferably with armrests)
- Bath seat/shower seat
- Detachable tub grab bar (not recommended for fibreglass tubs)
- Non-slip bath mat
- Long-handled shoe horn, elastic shoelaces
- Other ___________________________________
These items can be:
- Rented from a medical and surgical supply store (or pharmacy for walking aids). These are listed in the Yellow Pages phone book under Home Health Care Supplies.
- Borrowed from STELP (short-term equipment loan pool) or the Red Cross. You must have a signed request form from your therapist to borrow from STELP.
- Borrowed from friends or family (must be in good working order and safe).
- Borrowed from the Community Health Unit (out-of-town patients).
- Purchased from a medical and surgical supply store.
