Preparing for Orthopaedic Surgery
Preparing well before surgery can be just as important as the operation itself. By focusing on nutrition, activity, mental health, and support systems, you give yourself the best chance for a safe operation and a smooth recovery. Mr Kirzner and his team will be with you through every step of the preparation and recovery journey
Why preparation matters
The better your health and fitness before surgery, the smoother and safer your recovery afterwards. Careful preparation not only lowers risks but also improves outcomes. Mr Kirzner works closely with each patient to ensure you are in the best shape—medically and physically—before your operation.
Specialist Support: The Perioperative Physician
If you have a complex medical history or conditions affecting your heart, lungs, or general health, you may be referred to a perioperative physician. This specialist works alongside Mr Kirzner to make sure your medical conditions are optimally managed before surgery, helping reduce complications and achieve the safest outcome.
Medications & Fasting
The week before your surgery, our team will provide clear instructions tailored to your medications and health. Some medications may need to be paused, including:
Immunomodulators (e.g. Humira)
Blood thinners (e.g. Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Warfarin)
Certain diabetes medications
Fasting is also important for your safety under anaesthetic:
Morning surgery: No food after midnight.
Afternoon surgery: Fasting starts from 6:30am.
Hospital arrival: Between 7am and 12pm, depending on your scheduled time.
Reducing Risks & Promoting Recovery
Nutrition
Aim for a balanced diet in the 6 weeks before surgery.
A Mediterranean-style, anti-inflammatory diet low in salt is encouraged.
Supplements may play a role in optimising healing—Mr Kirzner can recommend options suited to you.
Weight optimisation
Lowering BMI reduces complications.
A BMI under 40 is essential, ideally <30.
Even a 5% weight reduction makes a measurable difference.
Skin and wound care
Avoid open sores, wounds, scratches, or insect bites pre-surgery—alert the team if these occur.
Wash the leg or limb that will be operated on with 4% Chlorhexidine soap for 2-3 days before surgery, and again on the morning of surgery. This reduces infection risk. (This can be purchased from Chemist Warehouse).
Other health factors
Manage pre-existing swelling/oedema in the legs.
Ensure dental health is up to date (as dental infections increase risk).
Address urinary or prostate issues early—treatment lowers infection risk.
Optimise diabetes control (HbA1c under 7.5).
Correct low haemoglobin (anaemia) or low albumin before surgery.
Stop smoking—quitting even weeks before surgery improves healing and outcomes.
Seek help for anxiety or depression—you’ll recover better if your mental health is stable before surgery.
Staying Active Before Surgery
Maintain strength and mobility with gentle exercise for 20–30 minutes each day, provided it doesn’t cause significant pain. Even small amounts of activity help prepare your heart, lungs, and muscles for recovery.
Cryotherapy and Compression
Swelling and pain can be reduced by using cryotherapy and compression before and after surgery. Mr Kirzner recommends devices such as RE3 cryotherapy compression braces, which can aid healing and make early rehabilitation easier.
Preparing Your Home and Support System
Early days at home: Organise a caregiver for the first week after surgery.
Recovery partner (COACH): Identify one or two trusted people to act as your support during rehabilitation—helping with motivation, exercises, and monitoring recovery.
Home readiness: Make your home safe and practical for recovery. This may include rearranging furniture, securing handrails, and removing fall hazards. (Practical tips for preparing your home)
Blood Tests and Medical Optimisation Checklist
Before surgery, we will check and correct:
Anaemia (low haemoglobin)
Low albumin (protein balance for healing)
Blood sugar control in diabetes
Nutritional deficiencies
