Joint replacement surgery may be offered to people with severe joint pain caused by osteoarthritis or injury. It is a routine surgical procedure that offers life-changing benefits. Hip and knee replacements can relieve pain, increase mobility and restore lost quality of life, helping people to lead a full and active life again.
However, despite the fact that more than 252,000 joint replacements were carried out in 2018, according to the National Joint Registry 15th Annual Report, this is still a major surgical procedure and it pays to be well prepared.
Making plans well in advance of your scheduled date for surgery gives you the greatest chance of making a full and rapid recovery.
Here are some things to think about before your joint replacement surgery…
Prepare mentally for your joint replacement
It is natural to be nervous before a major surgical procedure. It can be helpful to discuss your fears with your surgeon who will often be able to put your mind at rest, as well as answering any questions you may have. We advise patients to note down any fears or concerns they have and bring this information with them to their pre-surgery appointment.
Your surgeon will explain the procedure to you in detail, including what to expect and any risks, and you will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
Reading up about the procedure you’re having can also be helpful so you know exactly what to expect. Our website has plenty of information about joint replacement so keep browsing!
Prepare physically
It is a good idea to try and achieve a healthy body weight prior to surgery to avoid putting your new joint under any unnecessary strain.
Being fit and healthy will also help you to recover more quickly from surgery. If you smoke it is important to give up before your operation as smoking slows your recovery and results in a longer healing time for wounds. It can also increase the risk of complications and infection.
Building your upper body strength may also be helpful as you are likely to need to use mobility aids (crutches or a walker) for a few weeks after surgery.
Prepare your home
Immediately before surgery, you will need to prepare your home for when you come out of hospital. This is particularly important for older people or those who live on their own.
In some cases, you may need to create a bedroom on the ground floor as well as moving any unnecessary clutter out of the way to reduce trip hazards and make way for crutches or a walker.
You will need to ensure that everything you need day-to-day is easily to hand as you may find it difficult to bend down for a while.
Your surgeon can advise you on the best preparations for your home environment.
Prepare support from family and friends
Immediately after surgery you are likely to need some additional support, particularly if you live alone.
You will need someone to drive you home from hospital and you may need someone to stay with you in the first few days after surgery.
It can be very helpful if someone is willing to drop off nutritious meals to you as you may feel too tired to cook in the first few days but will need to eat well to support your recovery.
Prepare yourself
It is important to listen to the advice of your orthopaedic surgeon and to follow their recommendations to achieve the best possible outcomes. You will be given detailed information on leaving hospital about how to support your rehabilitation.
This may include wound care, doing exercises recommended by a physiotherapist and avoiding over-extending your new joint. You will be given assistive devices to help you, such as a raised toilet seat if you have undergone hip replacement surgery.
“Hi Vivek,It’s exactly one year ago today that I had my right hip replacement. I haven’t had a minute’s trouble from it since. So this is to say keep up the good work and thanks for the last 12 months from one very happy customer!”
Joint replacement surgery | London
Mr Vivek Gulati is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon with the expertise to perform joint replacement surgery for you.
For your appointment there is a choice of locations:
The London Clinic – 116 Harley Street, London, W1G 7JL, Directions
BMI The London Independent Hospital, 1 Beaumont Square, Stepney Green, London, E1 4NL, Directions
Our Consultation Fees are clearly presented here.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your treatment options with a specialist, please contact the team.
