Patient Guide: Total Knee Replacement Precautions and Helpful Hints

- Prior to getting out of bed, some surgeons order a knee immobilizer that fits around your knee. It gives your thigh muscles (quadriceps) support when the quadriceps muscles are weak and prevents the knee from buckling;
- Your physical therapist or surgeon will tell you when your quadriceps muscles are strong enough so that you no longer require the knee immobilizer;
- Wear sturdy non-skid shoes, avoiding open toe, backless slippers or shoes;
- Slide surgical leg out in front prior to standing ;
- Push up from the arms of the chair or surface you are seated on prior to transfer;
- Always transfer towards non- surgical side using a walker;
- Adhere to weight-bearing precaution.