How long does it take to recover from joint replacement surgery? This is often the most pressing question for patients coming in for surgery and it’s understandable to want to know. Different people can have different priorities – whether it’s getting back to work, returning to sport or resuming the activities you love – but, in each case the overall desire is the same.
Patients want to get back to living a normal life, or the life they had before they were debilitated by joint pain and stiffness. In this article we will offer some general guidelines and look at the factors that influence how long it takes to recover from joint replacement surgery.
What is joint replacement surgery used for?
Joint replacement is a major operation for people with a degenerative condition like osteoarthritis. It is also used to treat serious injuries and fractures caused by an accident or fall, as well as the autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, which causes joint damage, pain and stiffness.
In England from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, there were 74,000 hip replacement procedures. Over the same period, there were 85,000 knee replacements.
85.7% of hip replacement patients and 74.2% of knee replacement patients said they felt ‘much better’ after surgery.
Read More > Overcoming Common Fears Before Joint Replacement Surgery
What does joint replacement surgery entail?
During joint replacement surgery, the damaged or diseased parts of the joint are cut away and replaced by an artificial implant called a prosthesis. In total hip or knee replacement surgery, the entire joint is removed and replaced, whereas in partial hip or knee replacements only a section of the joint is replaced. The aim of joint replacement surgery is to relieve pain and stiffness and help the patient to regain mobility and quality of life. While joint replacement surgery is routine, nevertheless, it is a major operation and, as such, it carries a risk of complications. These are rare but they can include infections, blood clots and failure of the prosthesis.
How long does recovery take?
There are many different factors that influence recovery times and some of these are detailed below. Immediately after surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room where you will be closely monitored and receive medication to help manage any pain and discomfort. Once back on the ward you will be encouraged to move around as soon as possible after surgery to promote blood circulation, normally on the same day as surgery. Most people remain in hospital for one to two days after surgery. During this time, you will be shown exercises to do at home that will help you start to recover and rebuild your strength and mobility.
Once you are discharged from hospital you will continue to rehabilitate at home. As you start to heal you will be able gradually to increase your activity levels in line with the recommendations of your surgical team.
To recover fully can take several months or even as much as a year. Within the first few weeks after surgery you will normally improve quite quickly, enabling you to achieve key recovery milestones. For example, most people are able to return to driving within four to six weeks of having knee replacement surgery, however, for some people it will take longer. You should never get back behind the wheel without being safe to do so, informing your insurance company and often will be given the all-clear by your orthopaedic consultant .
A study among members of the European Hip Society found that there are five sports that they would recommend to patients six weeks after having a total hip replacement. These included swimming, walking and static cycling. After six to 12 weeks, members would recommend participating in cycling (on even ground), Tai Chi and golf. Some sports, however, are not recommended at all following a total hip replacement. These include football, basketball and full contact sports.
What affects recovery times?
The length of time it takes to recover from joint replacement surgery depends on many different factors and your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss these with you. Some, such as your age, are impossible to influence. However, there are others factors that you can affect, like your commitment to rehabilitation, your weight and BMI, and nutrition. Some types of joint replacement surgery have a faster recovery time than others. For example, people tend to recover more quickly from a hip replacement than from a knee replacement. Also, some surgical approaches are less invasive than others and these generally have faster recovery times.
Can I do anything to speed up my recovery?
Prehabilitation is a proactive approach to improving post-surgical recovery. Normally a prehab programme begins six to eight weeks before surgery. You might follow an exercise programme to strengthen your muscles and core, as well as learning the exercises you will use after surgery. You will be encouraged to follow a healthy, nutritious diet to boost your body’s ability to heal. You will learn how to use assistive aids such as crutches or a walker and you will prepare your home to facilitate a safe recovery, including removing any trip hazards.
For many patients, opting for Mako robotic assisted surgery, where appropriate for you, may speed up recovery following joint replacement.
I would thoroughly recommend Mr Carrothers. I had great care for both of my procedures, a mako robotic assisted hip replacement, followed 4 months later by a mako knee replacement, both on the right side. Mr Carrothers explained everything well and gave me confidence and reassurance about the surgery. I was well cared for on the day of operation by him and his lovely team who all followed up with visits to the ward after the surgery. My recovery is progressing well and I would recommend Mr Carrothers care and expertise.
Written by a private patient at Nuffield Hospital Cambridge – 6th April 2025
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