Prehabilitation: A Smoother Pathway to Surgery

Abstract

Prehabilitation, a proactive approach involving physical, psychological, and nutritional preparation, has gained recognition as a critical component of orthopedic surgery care. This structured intervention aims to optimize a patient’s functional capacity prior to surgery, facilitating faster recovery and improved outcomes. Research demonstrates that prehabilitation enhances muscle strength, joint flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance, mitigating the loss of physical function during the postoperative phase. It also reduces the risk of complications, shortens hospital stays, and improves overall patient satisfaction. By addressing psychological factors such as anxiety and fear, prehabilitation contributes to mental readiness, which can influence recovery trajectories. This review explores the evidence supporting prehabilitation, outlines effective strategies tailored to orthopedic patients, and highlights its role in reducing healthcare costs. Integrating prehabilitation into standard preoperative protocols presents a promising opportunity to transform orthopedic care and improve patient outcomes.