At the time of your admission to hospital the nursing staff will assist you to prepare for surgery and will give you an approximate time as to when your surgery will take place. You will normally be away from the ward for between 3-4 hours, during which time you will be transported to the operating theatre, the anaesthetic will commence, followed by the surgery and then time in the recovery ward after surgery.

Early motion after surgery helps to lower the risk of blood clots in the legs. You would normally be encouraged to walk the day following your surgery, plus exercises to begin moving the new joint. To lower the risk of developing blood clots in the legs after surgery a number of measures are used and include drugs to thin the blood, special stockings and foot pumps to maintain good blood flow through the legs. The best way to avoid blood clots is early and sustained movement of the legs after surgery.

Patients are encouraged to progress as quickly as they are able to manage. However, it is important to follow instructions from your surgeon, nurse or physiotherapist to ensure safe activity and optimal results. Most patients would remain in hospital between 2 to 4 days for hip replacement, and 4 to 7 days for knee replacements, but the period in hospital may be shorter or longer depending on how rapidly the recovery progresses for that individual.

Some patients may require more time than usual to become freely mobile, usually due to a combination of other health factors, and may be admitted to the rehabilitation unit under the care of the rehabilitation specialist until they are able to be safely discharged home.