Yeah definitely build up to it I reckon . Even Romanian Deadlifts would be a great option, takes out the knees much more (still is a slight bend).I'm wondering, if after the knee replacement, and recovery, if I can start doin Sumo deadlifts. Use to love the deadlift, got a lot ot of it. But for some reason the Sumo version looks easier on the knees to me
But I will not try anything unless PT and the MD say ok
And only going as low as your hamstring flexibility allows.