Your time in hospital is SHORT. Some patients will be suitable for daycase surgery, that is will be going home the same day as they are admitted. The average length of stay for total hip replacement including revision surgery = 3 nights or LESS. The average length of stay for total knee replacement including revision surgery  = 3 nights or LESS.Partial knee replacement = 0 nights to 1 night.

It is not essential to have somebody at home with you after discharge. Many elderly and frail patients have joint replacements and cope on their own without problems. The staff will make sure that you are safe to look after yourself before you leave hospital and refer to appropriate services if help is required. However, if you have an offer from a friend or relative it may be desirable to have them stay for a few days. Remember to think about how you might cope on discharge and put plans in place before you come in for surgery.

To reduce the risk of blood clots you will need to have an small injection once a day for up to 28 days after  a hip replacement and 14 days after a knee replacement. We will teach you or a family member. If this is not possible the district nurses can assist.

You will need to make an appointment to see your GP practice nurse at your local surgery for the sutures/clips to be removed at 10-14 days after your operation. Some people have dissolvable stitches so no appointment is needed.

During the normal healing process the wound may be slightly red and warm to touch. However if the appearance deteriorates, you feel unwell or the wound begins to discharge fluid then contact your GP or go to your local Accident and Emergency Department.

You may start driving 6 weeks after your surgery and when you can concentrate and control the car safely. Before you start driving, we recommend that you try the pedals in a stationary car and ensure you can do an emergency stop. It is also advised that you contact your insurance company to ask their policies.

You should be able to return to work between six and twelve weeks after the operation, but this depends upon the nature of your work and how you usually get there. It may take longer to get back to a heavy manual job.

It is sensible to wait 6 weeks before flying short haul or 12 weeks for long haul as there is an increased risk of blood clots during this time.

Yes, as soon as your wound is dry and you are safe to get in/out of the pool. You can do all strokes.

There are no strict rules. Hill walking, cycling and horse riding usually present no problem, although you should wait 3 months before returning to more strenuous activity. Some patients play tennis, football, cricket or badminton. Skiing is a little more risky as there is a danger that you can break the bone around your joint replacement  and  with a hip replacement the hip may dislocate if you fall badly. Nevertheless, some patients return to skiing with no problems.