How long will I be in hospital after my hip replacement?

Most patients are able to go home within 1-2 days of surgery. Before you leave hospital, you will

need to be safely mobile, comfortable, able to manage any stairs you need to use at home and

confident with your exercises. Your individual circumstances will determine when you are ready to

go home.

When will I start physiotherapy, and how often will I need it?

Your hip exercises and mobilisation will usually begin very soon after surgery. Physiotherapy is an

important part of your recovery and focuses on restoring hip movement, strength and function. Your

physiotherapy programme will be tailored to your progress and may change as your recovery

develops. You will be seen by a physiotherapist during your Hospital stay. Following discharge, you

may continue with the same physiotherapist if preferred, or arrange ongoing physiotherapy with

another provider wio may be more local or otherwise preferable.

When will I be able to walk without crutches or a walking aid?

This varies from person to person. Most patients begin walking with crutches or another walking

aid soon after surgery. As your strength, balance and confidence improve, you can gradually reduce

your reliance on your walking aid. Your physiotherapist or surgeon will advise you when it is safe

to do so.

When can I drive and return to work?

You can return to driving when you are able to control the vehicle safely, have adequate strength

and reaction time, and are no longer taking medication that affects your ability to drive. If you have

had a left hip replacement, typically you can return to driving around 4 weeks post-op. With the

right hip, it is around the 6-week mark. Returning to work depends on your occupation and your

recovery. Office-based work can generally be resumed sooner than physically demanding work.

How long will it take before my hip feels normal?

Recovery is gradual. Most patients notice a significant improvement in pain and function during the

first few weeks, but strength, flexibility and confidence continue to improve for several months. It is

normal to have some discomfort, stiffness or swelling during the early stages of recovery.

What happens if I need more pain relief after I go home?

The pain relief medication you receive when you leave hospital is prescribed by the anaesthetist.

If you need additional pain relief once you are home, please contact your GP, who is your primary

care provider. Your GP can review your pain and arrange any additional medication you may need.

Your surgeon is responsible for your surgical care, but is not your primary care provider for ongoing

medication requirements following surgery.

How long will I be in hospital after my knee replacement?

Most patients are able to go home within 1-2 days of surgery, and some patients may be suitable for

same-day discharge. Before going home, you will need to be safely mobile, comfortable and able to

manage the activities required at home.

When will I start physiotherapy, and how often will I need it?

Your knee exercises and mobilisation will usually begin very soon after surgery. Physiotherapy is an

important part of your recovery and focuses on restoring knee movement, strength and function.

Your physiotherapy programme will be tailored to your progress and may change as your recovery

develops. You will be seen by a physiotherapist during your Hospital stay. Following discharge, you

may continue with the same physiotherapist if preferred, or arrange ongoing physiotherapy with

another provider wio may be more local or otherwise preferable.

How long will my knee be painful and swollen?

Pain and swelling are normal after knee replacement and gradually improve with time. Swelling can

remain noticeable for several months, particularly after activity. It is important to balance exercise

with adequate rest, elevation and other measures recommended by your surgical and physiotherapy

team.

When can I drive and return to work?

You can return to driving when you are able to control the vehicle safely, have adequate strength

and reaction time, and are no longer taking medication that affects your ability to drive. If you have

had a left knee replacement, typically you can return to driving around 4 weeks post-op. With the

right knee, it is around the 6-week mark. Returning to work depends on your occupation and your

recovery. Office-based work can generally be resumed sooner than physically demanding work.

How long will it take before my knee feels normal?

Recovery from a knee replacement takes time. Most patients make significant progress during the

first 6–12 weeks, but the knee can continue to improve for many months. Some stiffness, swelling

and discomfort are common during the early stages and do not necessarily indicate a problem.

What happens if I need more pain relief after I go home?

The pain relief medication you receive when you leave hospital is prescribed by the anaesthetist.

If you need additional pain relief once you are home, please contact your GP, who is your primary

care provider. Your GP can review your pain and arrange any additional medication you may need.

Your surgeon is responsible for your surgical care, but is not your primary care provider for ongoing

medication requirements following surgery.

What is the difference between a partial and total knee replacement?

A partial, or unicompartmental, knee replacement replaces only the damaged compartment of the

knee rather than replacing the entire joint. It is suitable for selected patients where the arthritis or

damage is limited to one part of the knee. Your surgeon will assess your knee and determine which

type of replacement is most appropriate for you.

How long will I be in hospital after my knee replacement?

Most patients are able to go home within 1-2 days of surgery, and some patients may be suitable for

same-day discharge. Before going home, you will need to be safely mobile, comfortable and able to

manage the activities required at home.

When will I start physiotherapy, and how often will I need it?

Your knee exercises and mobilisation will usually begin very soon after surgery. Physiotherapy is an

important part of your recovery and focuses on restoring knee movement, strength and function.

Your physiotherapy programme will be tailored to your progress and may change as your recovery

develops. You will be seen by a physiotherapist during your Hospital stay. Following discharge, you

may continue with the same physiotherapist if preferred, or arrange ongoing physiotherapy with

another provider wio may be more local or otherwise preferable.

How long will my knee be painful and swollen?

Pain and swelling are normal after knee replacement and gradually improve with time. Swelling can

remain noticeable for several months, particularly after activity. It is important to balance exercise

with adequate rest, elevation and other measures recommended by your surgical and physiotherapy

team.

When can I drive and return to work?

You can return to driving when you are able to control the vehicle safely, have adequate strength

and reaction time, and are no longer taking medication that affects your ability to drive. If you have

had a left knee replacement, typically you can return to driving around 4 weeks post-op. With the

right knee, it is around the 6-week mark. Returning to work depends on your occupation and your

recovery. Office-based work can generally be resumed sooner than physically demanding work.

What happens if I need more pain relief after I go home?

The pain relief medication you receive when you leave hospital is prescribed by the anaesthetist.

If you need additional pain relief once you are home, please contact your GP, who is your primary

care provider. Your GP can review your pain and arrange any additional medication you may need.

Your surgeon is responsible for your surgical care, but is not your primary care provider for ongoing

medication requirements following surgery.

How long will I need crutches after ACL reconstruction?

You will be partial weightbearing with crutches for the first 4 weeks following surgery. After 4

weeks, you can progress to weightbearing as tolerated and gradually reduce your use of the

crutches as your strength, balance and confidence improve. Your physiotherapist will guide you

through this progression.

When do I start physiotherapy, and how long will rehabilitation take?

Physiotherapy is an important part of ACL recovery and generally begins soon after surgery. Early

rehabilitation focuses on reducing swelling, restoring knee movement and activating the muscles

around the knee. Rehabilitation then progresses to strengthening, balance, control and sport-specific

exercises.

When can I return to work, driving and normal activities?

This depends on your occupation and your recovery. You can return to driving when you can safely

control the vehicle, have adequate strength and reaction time, and are no longer taking medication

that affects your ability to drive. Physical work generally requires a longer recovery than officebased

work.

What happens if I need more pain relief after I go home?

The pain relief medication you receive when you leave hospital is prescribed by the anaesthetist.

If you need additional pain relief once you are home, please contact your GP, who is your primary

care provider. Your GP can review your pain and arrange any additional medication you may need.

Your surgeon is responsible for your surgical care, but is not your primary care provider for ongoing

medication requirements following surgery.

How does having a meniscal repair change my recovery after ACL

reconstruction?

When a meniscus is repaired at the same time as your ACL reconstruction, the early recovery is

more protected to allow the meniscus to heal. You will be touch weightbearing with crutches and

wearing a range-of-motion (ROM) brace for the first 6 weeks. Your surgeon and physiotherapist

will guide you through the rehabilitation programme.

How long will I need crutches and a knee brace?

You will use crutches and remain touch weightbearing for the first 6 weeks. During this period,

you will also wear a ROM brace as instructed. After 6 weeks, your weightbearing and

rehabilitation will progress according to your surgeon's and physiotherapist's instructions.

When can I start physiotherapy and how much can I bend my knee?

Physiotherapy will begin early after surgery, but the exercises and permitted range of movement

will be carefully controlled to protect both the ACL reconstruction and meniscal repair. Your

physiotherapist will guide you through the appropriate exercises and gradually progress your knee

movement.

What happens if I need more pain relief after I go home?

The pain relief medication you receive when you leave hospital is prescribed by the anaesthetist.

If you need additional pain relief once you are home, please contact your GP, who is your primary

care provider. Your GP can review your pain and arrange any additional medication you may need.

Your surgeon is responsible for your surgical care, but is not your primary care provider for ongoing

medication requirements following surgery.

Meniscal repair: touch weight-bearing with crutches and ROM brace for 6 weeks.

Meniscal debridement: generally a much quicker recovery, with weightbearing as tolerated unless

otherwise instructed.

How much weight can I put on my leg after surgery?

• Repair: touch weightbearing with crutches and a ROM brace for 6 weeks.

• Debridement: generally weightbearing as tolerated, with crutches initially for comfort and

support.

Do I need physiotherapy after meniscal surgery?

Yes. Physiotherapy is an important part of your recovery and helps restore knee movement,

strength and function. The rehabilitation programme will depend on whether you have had a

meniscal repair or debridement.

Following a meniscal repair, rehabilitation is more structured and gradual to protect the repair.

You will be touch weightbearing with crutches and in a ROM brace for the first 6 weeks, with

physiotherapy guiding your exercises and progression. description

Following a meniscal debridement, recovery is generally quicker and physiotherapy can focus

more rapidly on restoring movement, strength and a return to normal activities.

Your physiotherapist will work with you to progress your rehabilitation safely and return you to

your usual activities and sport.

What happens if I need more pain relief after I go home?

The pain relief medication you receive when you leave hospital is prescribed by the anaesthetist.

If you need additional pain relief once you are home, please contact your GP, who is your primary

care provider. Your GP can review your pain and arrange any additional medication you may need.

Your surgeon is responsible for your surgical care, but is not your primary care provider for ongoing

medication requirements following surgery.

When do I need to have my wound checked?

You should see your GP or practice nurse approximately 2 weeks after your surgery for a

wound check. They will assess how your wound is healing and advise you if any further wound

care is required.

Who should I contact if I have a concern after surgery?

If you have a concern following your surgery, please contact your GP or practice nurse in the first

instance. They can assess your symptoms and arrange appropriate treatment or further advice if

required.

If you have an urgent or serious concern, seek appropriate medical attention without delay.

Please be aware that your surgeon may be unavailable due to operating, clinics or other work

commitments. The practice does not provide an acute or after-hours medical service.

When will I see my physiotherapist?

Your physiotherapy programme will depend on the type of surgery you have had. You will receive

instructions regarding when to commence physiotherapy and your initial exercises. Your

physiotherapist will then guide your rehabilitation and progression. description

When is my follow-up appointment with the surgeon?

Your follow-up appointment will depend on the procedure you have had and your individual

recovery. You will be advised when your follow-up with the surgeon is required.

What symptoms should I be concerned about?

Some pain, swelling and bruising are expected after surgery. However, you should seek medical

advice if you develop increasing pain or swelling, significant redness or warmth around the

wound, discharge from the wound, fever, or you feel generally unwell.

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing, or significant

swelling or pain in the calf.