Before undergoing total knee replacement surgery, the patient should undergo a general medical examination. It is important to obtain the patient's medical history to ascertain their general health status, current complaints, and findings.

If the patient has any co-morbidities, relevant check-ups should be performed.

Prior to deciding on surgery, a physical examination should be performed to assess the patient's range of motion in the knee, along with muscle strength and the overall condition of the leg. Radiological imaging is necessary to determine the degree of deformity and damage in the knee.

The presence of any infection foci should be determined. The patient should undergo consultations with various specialists, such as a dentist, internist, and dermatologist, before a decision is made regarding the suitability of the patient for surgery.

The patient is instructed to wash with special soap or shampoo on the day before surgery. This precaution is important to remove microbes from the body that could lead to infection after surgery.

Shaving of the surgical site is performed pre-operatively.

The doctor should inform the patient about when to stop eating and drinking before surgery. A list of medications currently being used should be provided to the operating surgeon.

All necessary equipment at home should be placed within easy reach of the patient.

Items in the home that could cause the patient to trip should be cleared away.

If possible, armrests should be added to seating, the toilet, and shower areas.

If living in a two-story house, using the ground floor as the living area is important for the initial post-operative period.