Knee or hip replacements are surgical procedures in which the worn, damaged surfaces of the joint are removed and replaced with artificial parts. Your doctor may consider hip or knee replacement if you have severe pain which limits daily activities and is not relieved with medications, injections, physical therapy, or other treatments. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pain and restore the alignment and function of your joint. Joint replacement provides the most dramatic relief of arthritis pain available to patients.

Traditionally, knee or hip replacement surgeries have been inpatient surgical procedures. With the introduction of minimally invasive techniques, modern pain relief protocols, improved anesthetic techniques, and rapid rehabilitation, surgeons can perform knee, hip, and other total joint replacement procedures on an outpatient basis.

With outpatient joint surgeries, patients are provided with the support of a visiting nurse and follow-up rehabilitation services. Patients can often return to normal activities quicker and with less pain than with traditional joint replacement surgery.

Other advantages of outpatient hip or knee replacement surgeries include:

• Rapid recovery
• Decreased hospital stay
• Improved pain management protocols
• Early mobilization
• Careful home monitoring
• Fewer complications
• Improved outcomes
• Increased patient satisfaction
• Lower out-of-pocket costs

Outpatient joint replacement is the same as traditional joint replacement, but patients can go home on the same day of surgery. This allows patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes instead of overnight in a hospital.