What you need to know about hip and knee replacement surgery

Having a hip or knee replacement is more manageable than you might think. Read this blog to find out more about the benefits of having a joint replacement, what to expect after surgery, and why you should choose our hospital for your treatment.

Why you shouldn’t wait to get the surgery you need

Thousands of people have been on the NHS hip replacement waiting list for more than six months. These numbers are only expected to rise over the coming years as more and more people need this type of surgery, and the NHS can only move so fast.

While you can start enjoying activities and getting back into your usual routine fairly quickly after your operation, you will still need time to recover. The sooner you have your operation, the faster you’ll be able to enjoy its life-enhancing benefits.

Whatever the reason for postponing your hip or knee replacement, don’t wait any longer to get the treatment you need.

A joint replacement will completely change your life for the better

It’s completely normal to be scared of having surgery, however minor. The anticipation of a knee or hip replacement can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Advances in medical technology and techniques mean this type of operation is far less complex and painful than in the past. In fact, with short hospital stays, and resources to help you with recovery, the operation is much less extreme than you might imagine.

These procedures are highly delicate, planned surgeries with the ability to bring immense positive changes to your well-being. The substantial impact a joint replacement can have on your quality of life can make you feel like a completely different person and improve lasting function and movement.

If you’re living with hip or knee pain that makes it difficult to enjoy your life, a hip or knee replacement is a game-changer. Not only can you return to normal activities relatively quickly, many people also find that joint replacement surgery offers them complete pain relief.

Joint replacement surgery only requires a short stay in hospital

Joint replacement surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is an extremely straightforward, streamlined and well-rehearsed process.

Before you come in for your surgery, our specialists complete a pre-assessment to make sure you’re medically fit for the operation. 

After the pre-assessment is complete, our specialists will determine one of two options for your surgery:

Day-case pathway. This means you’ll go home on the same day as your surgery. Medically-fit patients who have reasonable social support – i.e., someone to take care of their needs after returning home – will often take the day-case pathway. This will always be communicated well in advance between you and your specialist.

Inpatient pathway. This means you’ll stay in hospital for one or two nights after your surgery. Reasons for choosing the inpatient option vary, including medical conditions that mean further monitoring needs to take place after the procedure, or if people don’t have the necessary support at home.

What to expect before your surgery

We’ll call you to set up a convenient time for your surgery. Once it’s in the diary, we’ll send you a confirmation email which includes your medical history. On the day of your operation, come in, sign it at reception and someone will come and collect you. 

Physiotherapy and recovery after joint replacement surgery

Once you wake up after surgery, one of our physiotherapists will begin walking with you and exercising your joints so you can get on the road to recovery straight away. Together, you’ll develop a personalised at-home exercise regime, so you’ll be well-equipped with the tools you need to recover.

In most cases, you’ll be walking, drinking, eating and doing simple exercises that focus on the replaced joint on the same day! Your wound will usually take about two weeks to heal, and your recovery goals, including higher intensity activities, will be discussed with your surgeon before you leave the hospital.

At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we work with all of our patients to support their individual needs and goals for recovery. Two weeks after your surgery, you’ll return for a checkup and outpatient physio, where you’ll intensify the healing exercises and activities until you have reached your personal recovery goals — whether that’s taking long walks again, going to the gym or doing exercises and sport.

Our Orthopaedic Department has a team-based approach with quick results

Our Orthopaedic Specialists are committed to giving you the best possible treatment for your joint replacement, and we work closely with one another to make this a reality. We have experience with a high volume of joint replacements, both simple and complex, and we provide planned care tailored to your individual needs.

Since we’re a private facility, the time between your initial consultation and operation is up to you but could be a matter of days. You won’t spend months in pain on an NHS waiting list but can get the treatment you need within a few weeks — or even days.

If you’d like to book an appointment, give us a call on  020 7806 4000, email us at [email protected] or fill out the contact form here