Surgery & Recovery
What to expect after your operation
You can expect to be in hospital for 2 – 7 days, depending on your personal health and circumstances. If you are a fit, healthy person who is motivated to leave hospital quickly, you should talk to us about the Rapid Recovery Program. This aims to have you out of hospital within 2 – 3 days. Most patients will take the Standard Recovery Program and it’s important you know there is no pressure to rush your recovery program or to leave hospital early if it doesn't' suit you.
| Rapid Recovery |
Recovery milestones |
Standard Recovery |
| Day of surgery |
Standard recovery patients will be happy to stay in bed, although may feel good enough to get up for a short time. |
Day of surgery |
| You’ll begin by sitting on the side of your bed as you adjust to being upright. You’ll then get up for a short walk (5 - 10 metres) with a pick-up frame. |
Day 1 post surgery |
| Day 1 post surgery |
You will use a pick-up frame to walk 1 lap of the ward with the assistance of a physiotherapist. You may progress to crutches and walk a further lap of the ward later in the day. |
Day 2 post surgery |
| Day 2 post surgery Rapid Recovery patients are discharged. |
You can expect to be mobilising on your own whilst using crutches or stick and practising going up and down steps. |
Day 3 post surgery |
| You should find you are becoming more confident and independent with a crutch or stick. You should be fully weight bearing through the replaced joint. |
Day 4 post surgery
Most patients are discharged. |
| n/a |
Depending on the reasons for remaining in hospital your recovery program will be tailored to your needs until you are discharged. |
Day 5 – 7 post surgery. |
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