Total knee replacement in older adults

Total knee replacement resurfaces damaged knee joint surfaces to improve comfort and function. For an older adult, the assessment should also consider heart and lung health, diabetes, bone strength, medicines, memory, vision, balance, and the ability to manage at home. These factors help the team plan anaesthesia, discharge, walking support, and physiotherapy.

A successful recovery is not defined by a single timetable. The useful markers are safer transfers, steadier walking, improving knee movement, and returning to meaningful daily activities. Family or carers may need clear instructions about exercises, medicines, wound checks, and falls prevention.

Share a full medicine list and mention any previous falls or difficulty managing stairs. Prepare a chair with arms, clear walking paths, suitable bathroom support, and help with meals and shopping. Use the prescribed walking aid, complete exercises in short regular sessions, and attend reviews. Report dizziness or confusion because medicines, dehydration, infection, and other issues may need attention.

Contact the care team for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, worsening pain, or a sudden decline in movement or walking. Seek urgent care after chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or a painful swollen calf. After a fall, do not force the knee or continue walking if weight-bearing suddenly becomes difficult.

Which health conditions need optimisation before surgery? What support will be available after discharge? How will you reduce falls risk? Which medicines should change? What level of knee bend and walking should I work toward first?