Joint replacement surgery once required a hospital stay of a week or more.
Today, advancements in surgical technique, anaesthesia, and rehabilitation have made same-day discharge or a single overnight stay the modern standard of care for many patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty (joint replacements).
This shift is driven by Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways. Rather than keeping you in bed, modern care focuses on minimising surgical trauma so your body can begin moving almost immediately. Anaesthetists now use targeted nerve blocks and localised joint injections that provide long-lasting, site-specific pain relief without the intense grogginess, nausea, or muscle weakness caused by older pain medications.
A central milestone of short-stay joint replacement is early mobilisation. Within just a few hours of leaving the operating theatre, a physiotherapist will help you stand and take your first steps.
Early walking improves blood circulation, which significantly decreases the risk of deep vein blood clots and chest infections, while accelerating joint flexibility and confidence.
To ensure you can safely return home on the same day or the following morning, your team follows a clear discharge checklist. Before leaving, you must be able to:
- Mobilise safely with crutches or a walking frame.
- Navigate steps or stairs safely if you have them at home.
- Tolerate light meals and keep pain well-controlled with oral medications.
- Normalise bladder function and vital signs.
Safe short-stay recovery relies on preparation. Before admission, set up your home environment by clearing trip hazards, arranging easy meals, and confirming that an adult family member or friend will stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours to support your independence.
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