BOPDHB Patient Resources Hip and Knee joint replacement book - June 2016 | Page 13

Your hospital journey You attend an Outpatient appointment to see an Orthopaedic Surgeon and a decision is made to go ahead with a hip or knee joint replacement. The decision is to manage your hip or knee joint with non-surgical treatment and you remain under the care of your GP. You attend a preassessment clinic appointment to determine if you are fit for an anaesthetic. If you are not fit enough you may be returned to the care of your GP. Before coming to hospital Before coming in to hospital You are informed of your surgery date and you attend an education class. You may also attend exercise classes. You are admitted on the day of your surgery and expect to stay in hospital for 3 – 5 days. You will be followed up approximately 2-6 weeks after your operation to check your recovery. 11