Hip or knee replacement for arthritis
Joint replacement surgery, also known as joint arthroplasty, is considered when conservative management strategies, such as exercise, weight control, and pain management, are not enough to control your symptoms.
Decide if surgery is right for you
Ask yourself these questions to find out if surgery is something you should consider:
- Is your arthritis stopping you from enjoying daily activities?
- Do you feel depressed or isolated because of pain or the loss of independence?
- Are you unable to control your pain with medications or other methods, like applying heat or ice?
- Are you ready to prepare for surgery by exercising, protecting your joints and eating healthy?
- Are you committed to your recovery?
- Will you follow your physiotherapist's advice about taking care of your new joints, arrange the necessary support and give yourself time to recover?
Get a referral to a surgeon
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of surgery and find out if surgery is right for you. Your doctor will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon for a consultation if appropriate.
In VCH, orthopedic surgeons work with Advanced Practice Physiotherapists (APPs) to triage and see patients most efficiently within the Hip and Knee Surgical Assessment Program (ASAP). Once referred, you will be contacted for an appointment.
Optimize your health before surgery
When you are considering or waiting for surgery, building strength, staying active, managing your pain, eating healthy, quitting smoking and if needed, losing weight will all have a positive impact on the success of your surgery. Making changes to your home, using walking aides and other joint protection equipment are other ways to protect your joints and prepare you for surgery.
Attend the OASIS Early Preparation for Surgery class
Learn how to prepare for your surgery through exercise, managing your pain effectively and setting up your home. The Early Preparation for Surgery class is offered both virtually, by webinar, and in-person (within VCH).
This class for people who are considering hip or knee replacement surgery, are waiting to see a surgeon or are on the surgical waitlist.
After you have a surgery date
You will be contacted by the Hip and Knee Surgical Assessment Program (ASAP) to attend a PreOp class 2-4 weeks before surgery. You must prepare your home and get special equipment before your surgery.
Visit the ASAP website to learn more about the required equipment and how you will use it after surgery. Videos about joint replacement surgery are also available.
Resources
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Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis? Here is what you can do!
A summary of resources that are helpful for managing osteoarthritis
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Before, During and After Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery - A Patient's Guide
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Steps to Success - Hip/Knee Replacement Surgery (video)
Dr. Nelson Greidanus discusses what to consider and how to ensure the best possible outcome.
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Joint Replacement - The Patient Experience (video)
People who have had hip or knee replacement talk about their experiences.
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Recovery after joint replacement surgery (video)
Learn more about recovery from hip or knee replacement surgery from people who have had the surgery.
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Hip and Knee video by Dr. Mike Evans
A “visual whiteboard lecture” on how to prepare for hip & knee replacement.
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Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
Information and resources to help patients through their orthopaedic care journey, including hip and knee replacement surgery, foot and ankle surgery, shoulder surgery and more.
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