Your operation is finally over and your new artificial knee or hip joint is finally in place. There are two stages of recovery from joint replacement surgery:
Recovering from the operation itself
This usually takes a day or two, as long as there are no complications or other health problems. During this time, your Care Team will watch you closely. This includes making sure your blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen levels and temperature stay normal, and that you are able to eat, drink and use the bathroom. They will also make sure your pain is being controlled and take steps to prevent certain complications.
Starting to use your new joint properly
This means learning how you should – and shouldn’t – move, even while you’re still in bed. Your therapists will explain the “do’s and don’ts” which are known as “precautions” Here’s what you should know about how to protect your new joint:
The First 24 Hours
The routine may vary between hospitals, but here’s what’s likely to occur after you wake up after surgery... more
Pain Relief
Now that your operation is over, you will experience some pain, but there are several ways this can be controlled... more
Preventing Blood Clots
After you undergo knee or hip replacement surgery, your risk for developing a blood clot goes up and stays up for at least two months – possibly longer – after the operation... more
Preventing Infection After Surgery
Infection is always possible after any kind of surgery. But having an artificial device in your body, increases the chance that you will develop an infection around the new joint... more
Starting Your Therapy
You may be surprised to see just how quickly your therapy starts after your operation... more
Getting Ready for Rehabilitation
Soon you will leave the hospital to continue your rehabilitation. Here’s what to expect if you go home, if you are sent for out-patient therapy, or if you’re moved to a rehabilitation hospital... more