Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know When I’m Ready To Have My Joint Replaced?

The decision to have a joint replaced is an individual one; however, generally if a person with an arthritic joint suffers pain severe enough to affect their activities of daily living, or feels like their pain interrupts work or recreational activities, they should consider joint replacement.

How Painful Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Some of the most significant advances in major joint replacement surgery over the past ten years have come in the area of anesthesia and pain management. Virtually all joint replacement surgeries are done with the assistance of regional blocks, in which the nerves supplying the upper or lower extremity being operated upon are blocked with long-acting local anesthetics. This greatly decreases immediate post-operative pain, and encourages quicker recovery after surgery.

How Long Will I Have To Stay In The Hospital?

Most patients are discharged three or four days after routine hip or knee replacement surgery, sooner after a shoulder replacement.

When Will I Be Able To Go Home After Surgery?

After discharge from the hospital, patients who have sufficient help and resources may go directly home. Other patients may benefit from a short-term (1 – 2 week) stay in a skilled rehabilitation facility while they regain strength and independence before going home.This decision is dependent on several factors, including age, pre-operative level of independence, availability of family members at home and patient desires. This decision is usually made before surgery; however, patients may change their minds at any time.

How Long Will My Joint Replacement Last?

Depending on age, weight, and activity level, joint replacements should last atleast ten years and often much longer.

How Successful Is The Surgery?

Joint replacement surgery is considered among the most successful surgical procedures as measured by patients’ assessment of quality-of-life indicators.

*Any of these questions, as well as others you may have about possible joint replacement surgery should be addressed with the doctor or the CCfJR staff.