A successful recovery from total knee replacement surgery hinges on careful preparation of the home environment. Pre-planning maximizes safety, minimizes the risk of falls, and maintains independence during the initial healing phase. Having the correct equipment in place before returning home allows the patient to focus entirely on rehabilitation and regaining strength. This preparation ensures that daily activities can be managed securely.
Essential Mobility Aids for Initial Recovery
The first equipment needed upon discharge is an assistive device to manage weight-bearing and stability while walking. A two-wheeled or rolling walker is the initial aid prescribed for ambulation immediately following the procedure. The rolling variety is preferred because it allows the patient to push the walker forward, promoting a more natural gait compared to a standard walker that must be picked up with each step.
Proper height adjustment is necessary for safe use and fall prevention. The hand grips should align with the crease of the patient’s wrist when standing upright with arms relaxed at their sides. This positioning ensures a slight bend in the elbow, providing optimal leverage and support. As strength improves, the patient transitions from the walker to crutches, and finally to a single-point cane.
Ensuring Safety in the Bathroom
The bathroom presents the highest risk for falls due to slippery surfaces and the need for joint flexion during toileting and bathing. A raised toilet seat or a toilet safety frame minimizes the bending angle of the knee, which is restricted post-surgery. The added height reduces strain on the new joint when transitioning from seated to standing.
A shower chair or a tub transfer bench is required to prevent slips and conserve energy during hygiene. For tubs, a transfer bench is superior because it straddles the tub wall. It allows the patient to sit outside the tub, lift their legs over the edge while seated, and then scoot across, eliminating the dangerous step-over motion. Grab bars must be secured into wall studs and installed inside the shower/tub area and near the toilet to provide reliable support.
Tools for Dressing and Reaching
Assistive tools for dressing prevent restricted or painful movements, such as bending over or twisting the torso. A reacher or grabber tool is an invaluable device that allows the patient to retrieve dropped items, manage blankets, or pull up clothing without bending the hip or knee. These tools are useful for accessing objects below waist level, a major challenge after joint replacement.
Lower body dressing is simplified with a long-handled shoehorn and a sock aid. The sock aid consists of a plastic trough that holds the sock open, allowing the patient to pull the sock onto the foot using attached straps without reaching past their knees. The long-handled shoehorn allows for easy placement of shoes, which should be slip-on or feature elastic laces to avoid tying them. A dressing stick, a dowel with hooks on the end, can further assist with pulling on pants or reaching for clothing.
Preparing the Home Environment
Beyond specific equipment, preparing the home involves modifying the living space to ensure a safe recovery zone. A primary step involves removing tripping hazards, including securing or removing throw rugs, clearing clutter from walkways, and managing electrical cords. Clear pathways wide enough for a walker should be established, especially between the bedroom, bathroom, and primary recovery area.
The seating arrangement should be optimized for the recovery period. Seating should be firm and elevated, ideally with armrests, as this height makes the sit-to-stand transition safer and easier on the knee joint. Low or overly soft seating, such as deep couches or recliners, should be avoided because they require too much effort to stand up. Managing post-operative pain and swelling is aided by having a dedicated ice or cold therapy unit accessible, as continuous cold application reduces inflammation and promotes healing.