Preparing For Joint Replacement Surgery

Understanding Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery can be a life-changing decision that helps restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. Whether you’re considering it for yourself or a loved one, understanding the process and preparing thoughtfully can ease anxiety and support a smoother recovery. 

Our guide walks you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how to navigate the journey with confidence.

What Is A Joint Replacement?

Joint replacement is a type of orthopedic surgery that involves removing a damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial one, commonly in the hip, knee, or shoulder. The artificial joint, known as a prosthesis, is designed to mimic the natural movement of the joint and alleviate pain caused by damage or degeneration.

Doctors typically recommend joint replacement for people suffering from:

• Osteoarthritis: The most common cause, leading to joint wear and tear
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Causing inflammation and joint damage
• Severe joint injuries: Due to accidents or repetitive strain
• Loss of mobility: When joint function impacts basic tasks, like walking, dressing, or sleeping

Who Typically Needs It?

Joint replacement is most common for people over 60, although younger people may need them due to injuries or chronic diseases. Patients who benefit often have persistent pain that limits activities, joint stiffness or swelling, and a reduced quality of life despite other treatments. 

If your mobility has declined significantly or conservative treatments no longer provide relief, it’s worth talking to your doctor about surgical options.

Goals And Benefits Of Surgery

The primary goals of joint replacement surgery are: 

• Pain relief
• Improved mobility
• Improved quality of life

Surgery can drastically support long-term independence. Many people are surprised by how dramatically their daily lives improve after joint replacements. Walking without pain, resuming hobbies, or simply climbing stairs becomes possible again. In the long term, joint replacement can support greater independence, especially for seniors hoping to age in place.

Is Joint Replacement Right For You Or A Loved One?

Signs It May Be Time

A joint replacement is usually considered when: 

• Conservative treatments stop working
• Pain interferes significantly with daily activities
• Mobility is impaired
• Joint movement is limited 
• People have trouble with daily tasks
• Visible joint damage appears on X-rays and other scanning 

What To Ask Your Doctor

Before making a decision on joint replacement, it can be helpful to ask your doctor questions such as:

• What are the risks? 
• What are the expected outcomes?
• Could there be complications? 
• Are there other alternatives to surgery? 
• What type of surgery will be performed? 
• What is the recovery time?

What To Expect Before Surgery

Pre-Operative Evaluation and Tests

Before surgery, your medical team will conduct a full evaluation, including physical exams, imaging, and lab work. Evaluations may include things, like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. 
Medical clearance from both your primary doctor and team managing the surgery will be crucial. You should tell your surgical team about any existing conditions you have or medications you are taking that may impact the surgery. 

Talking To Your Surgeon

You should also prepare a list of questions for your surgeon. 

The topics to include: 

• Discussing anesthesia
• What type of implants will be used
• Timeline for recovery
• Expected surgical duration

Reducing Anxiety Through Education

Many hospitals offer pre-op classes or consultations to help you feel more prepared. These sessions explain the surgical process, show you what to expect during rehab, and give tips for managing recovery at home. 

Learning what’s ahead can help reduce stress and build confidence, an important part of emotional and mental readiness.

How To Prepare For Joint Replacement Surgery

At-Home Prep: Making Your Space Safe

At home, before you even get to the hospital, you’ll want to make the space as comfortable and welcoming as possible. You will want to remove all tripping hazards, like rugs and clutter, and you may also want to install support bars and raised toilet seats.
Don’t leave these items until after hospitalization. Have them ready to go once you get home. 

What To Pack For The Hospital

On your appointment day, pack a small bag with: 

• Clothing
• Medical documents
• Comfort items
• Toiletries
• Assistive devices for after surgery, like a walker or cane, as directed by your team

Physical Preparation: Exercise And Nutrition

Pre-surgery physical therapy or “prehab” helps strengthen the muscles around your joint, which can lead to a faster recovery. Your doctor can tell you more about it if this is necessary or beneficial. 

Additionally, eat a balanced diet before the surgery, stay hydrated, avoid blood-thinning medications (unless approved by your doctor), and try to get a good night’s sleep the night before. Getting your body in the best shape it can be before surgery helps reduce complications and speeds up healing.

Planning For Help And Transportation

Finally, make sure you arrange a ride home and understand who will assist with daily needs the first few weeks. This may include a stay in a short-term care facility. 

The Day Of Surgery

What Happens At The Hospital

You’ll typically arrive a few hours before the surgery to check in and verify your information, go over any last-minute details, and begin the physical pre-operative preparation. 

The surgery generally takes place under general anesthesia, which means you’ll be “asleep” for the operation. Before the operation, you can discuss any questions with your anesthesiologist and surgical team. 

Duration And Immediate Post-Op Care

Joint replacement surgeries typically take one to two hours, but this can vary by surgery and complications. After surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery room where your health can be monitored. 

Once you’re stable, you may even begin light physical therapy. 

After Surgery: Recovery And Rehabilitation

Post-Operative Care and First Days After Surgery

Depending on your procedure and health, you may stay in the hospital one to three days. Following this, post-acute care may require you to stay in a skilled nursing facility. Before discharge, your team will create a post-surgery rehabilitation plan.

Pain management and wound care are top priorities. You’ll receive detailed instructions on medications, follow-ups, and mobility restrictions.

Physical Therapy And Movement

Early movement is critical to avoid complications and regain strength. Your team will provide you with a physical therapy plan that will guide your recovery through things, like gentle exercises, gradual walking goals, and rebuilding balance and flexibility.

With commitment, most patients are back on their feet within weeks.

When To Call Your Doctor

You should call your doctor if you notice: 

• Increased swelling 
• Increased redness
• Intense pain 
• Fever or chills
• Signs of infection
• Unusual drainage

Other issues can usually be taken care of at follow-up visits. 

Empowered, Informed, And Prepared With Monument Health Group

Preparing for joint replacement surgery involves more than just the operation. It’s about building a plan, getting support, and setting yourself up for a safe recovery. Whether you’re considering surgery or already scheduled, remember preparation reduces stress and speeds recovery. 

If you’re facing surgery personally or supporting a loved one through it, remember that you are not alone. There are professionals, resources, and rehabilitation programs designed to help you heal and regain control of your daily life.

Monument Health Group is dedicated to guiding patients through every stage of recovery with expert care, from hospital discharge to regaining full independence. With a focus on personalized rehabilitation and skilled nursing support, we’re your trusted partner in any journey to healing after joint replacement surgery.