Patient walking with assistance after same day hip or knee replacement

Can You Go Home the Same Day After Hip or Knee Replacement? What Patients Should Know

/in /by

Yes. Many patients can go home the same day after hip or knee replacement surgery. This is commonly called same day joint replacement, outpatient joint replacement, or same-day discharge.

But there is an important point I want patients to understand: same-day surgery is not right for everyone.

When we consider outpatient hip replacement or outpatient knee replacement, we look at the whole patient. Your overall health, the type of surgery, your home situation, your support system, and how you are doing after surgery all matter.

The goal is not simply to get you out of the hospital quickly. The goal is to make sure you are safe and comfortable enough to continue your recovery at home.

What Does Same-Day Joint Replacement Mean?

Same day joint replacement surgery means you have your hip or knee replacement and return home later that same day instead of staying in the hospital overnight.

For many patients, the day looks something like this:

Surgery → recovery → physical therapy → walking → safety checks → home

You are not sent home simply because a certain number of hours have passed.

Before we discharge you, we want to know that you can move safely, your pain is reasonably controlled, you are medically stable, and you have the support you need at home.

That distinction is important.

Going home the same day does not mean rushing through recovery. It means you have met specific safety milestones before leaving the surgical center or hospital.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Same-Day Joint Replacement?

There is no single age or medical checklist that makes someone automatically eligible.

When we evaluate a patient for same day hip replacement or same day knee replacement, we look at several things.

A good candidate may have:

  • Good overall health
  • Medical conditions that are well controlled
  • The ability to walk and participate in rehabilitation
  • A strong support system at home
  • A safe home environment
  • The motivation to follow the recovery plan
  • A clear understanding of what the first few days will involve

 

Your home situation matters more than many people realize.

If you have someone who can help you get around, prepare meals, keep track of medications, and be there if you need assistance, recovering at home can be much easier.

We also consider the operation itself. A straightforward primary hip or knee replacement is different from a complex or revision joint replacement.

The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) recommends that same-day discharge be based on individual patient selection and shared decision-making between the patient and surgeon, including medical, social, and surgical factors.

Why Can Patients Go Home So Much Sooner Now?

Joint replacement recovery has changed significantly over the years.

Patients used to spend several days in the hospital after hip or knee replacement. Today, many patients can safely recover at home because we have better ways to control pain, reduce complications, and get patients moving earlier.

Three things have made a major difference.

Modern Surgical Techniques

Today’s joint replacement techniques are designed to minimize unnecessary tissue disruption and help patients recover efficiently.

The exact surgical approach depends on the patient and the joint being replaced. For example, anterior hip replacement uses an approach from the front of the hip and may be appropriate for certain patients.

The goal is always the same: replace the damaged joint while respecting the surrounding tissues and giving you the best possible path toward recovery.

Advanced Regional Anesthesia

Pain control has also improved.

Regional anesthesia means using medication around specific nerves to reduce pain from the surgical area. For some patients, nerve blocks can provide significant pain relief without relying heavily on narcotic medications.

We may also use several different types of pain medication that work in different ways. This is called multimodal pain management.

The idea is simple: instead of depending on one strong medication, we use several strategies to control pain while limiting unwanted side effects such as excessive sleepiness, nausea, or dizziness.

Rapid Rehabilitation

We also get patients moving much earlier.

Rapid rehabilitation does not mean pushing you too hard. It means starting safe movement as soon as your medical team feels it is appropriate.

After surgery, you may work with a physical therapist on standing, walking, getting in and out of a chair, and using stairs if you need to do so at home.

That early movement is an important part of a successful joint replacement recovery.

What Happens After Surgery?

Once your surgery is finished, you will spend time in a recovery area while the medical team monitors you.

We will pay attention to your vital signs, pain, nausea, sensation and movement in the leg, and the surgical site.

Then comes an important part of the process: getting you up and moving.

With help from your care team, you will usually stand and walk with a walker or another assistive device.

You may be surprised by how quickly this happens.

That does not mean your new hip or knee is completely healed. It simply means that early, controlled movement is an important part of recovery.

Before you leave, you will also receive instructions about medications, wound care, exercises, activity, and when to contact your medical team.

What Will the First 24–48 Hours at Home Really Be Like?

Let’s be candid: you are going to be sore.

Same-day joint replacement does not mean you will walk into your house feeling completely normal.

The first day or two are usually about rest, short periods of walking, taking your medications as directed, and doing the exercises recommended by your care team.

You may experience:

  • Pain or soreness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Tiredness
  • Stiffness
  • Difficulty getting comfortable
  • A need for assistance with everyday activities

 

This is expected to some degree.

Your pain should be manageable, but some discomfort is part of the healing process. We want you moving, but we also want you listening to your body and following your surgeon’s instructions.

Your Home Coach Matters

I often tell patients that the person helping them at home is part of the recovery team.

We call this person the home coach.

Your home coach may be a spouse, family member, friend, or another trusted adult.

During the first day or two, that person may help you:

  • Get up and walk safely
  • Prepare meals
  • Organize medications
  • Get to the bathroom
  • Get in and out of a chair
  • Complete basic household tasks
  • Keep you on track with your recovery instructions

 

You should not feel that you have to do everything yourself immediately after surgery.

Accepting help for a few days is not a sign that something went wrong. It is part of planning for a safe recovery.

What Do You Need to Prepare at Home?

A little preparation before surgery can make a big difference.

Before your operation, we recommend thinking about where you will sleep, where you will sit, and how you will move around your home.

You should have:

  • A walker or other recommended assistive device
  • A sturdy chair that is easy to get in and out of
  • A clear path through the main areas of your home
  • Loose rugs and clutter removed from walking areas
  • Easy-to-prepare meals
  • Your medications ready
  • Someone available to help you as instructed by your surgical team

 

If you have stairs, let your physical therapist know. You can learn how to use them safely before you leave.

What If I Am Not Ready to Go Home?

This is one of the most important things I tell patients.

If you are scheduled for same-day discharge but you are not ready, you do not have to force it.

Maybe your pain is not adequately controlled. Maybe you feel too dizzy or weak to walk safely. Maybe there is a medical concern that needs additional observation.

In that situation, your care team can change the plan.

You may stay longer or spend the night in the hospital.

That is not a complication by itself, and it does not mean your surgery was unsuccessful.

Our priority is always your safety.

Is Same-Day Joint Replacement Safe?

For carefully selected patients, same-day joint replacement can be a safe and effective option.

But “same day” should never be treated as a goal that applies to every patient.

We consider your medical history, your surgical plan, your ability to move safely, your pain control, and your support at home.

Some patients are excellent candidates for same-day knee replacement or same-day hip replacement. Others are better served by staying overnight.

Both can be appropriate approaches.

Is Same-Day Surgery Safe for Older Patients?

Being older does not automatically rule you out.

I have patients who are older but healthy, independent, active, and well supported at home. They may be excellent candidates for outpatient joint surgery.

On the other hand, a younger patient with significant medical problems or limited support at home may need a different plan.

Age is only one piece of the decision.

We look at your overall health, independence, mobility, medical conditions, home environment, and ability to participate in recovery.

What Medical Conditions Can Affect Eligibility?

Certain medical conditions may require additional evaluation before same-day surgery.

These can include significant:

  • Heart disease
  • Lung disease
  • Kidney problems
  • Poorly controlled diabetes
  • Bleeding or clotting problems
  • Previous blood-clotting problems
  • Medical conditions that are not well controlled

 

Having one of these conditions does not automatically mean you cannot have joint replacement or outpatient surgery.

It simply means we need to look carefully at the risks and make an individualized plan.

The Decision Should Be Made With Your Surgeon

If you are considering hip or knee replacement, ask your surgeon whether same day joint replacement makes sense for you. FAQ’s About Joint Replacement Surgeries.

Ask about your medical risks, the type of procedure you are having, pain control, physical therapy, your home setup, and the support you will need during those first few days.

For the right patient, going home the same day can be a very positive experience. You can recover in your own familiar surroundings and begin your rehabilitation without an unnecessary hospital stay.

But the right question is not, “Can I leave the hospital today?”

The better question is:

“Is going home today the safest choice for me?”

That is a decision we should make together, based on your health, your surgery, and your individual recovery needs.

About the Author

Dr. Matthew W. Russo is a third-generation, board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic specialist specializing in total hip and knee replacement surgery. He focuses on helping patients understand their treatment options and uses current surgical techniques and technology to provide personalized joint replacement care.

 

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized medical advice. Your orthopedic surgeon can determine whether same-day joint replacement is appropriate based on your individual health and recovery needs.

Anterior total hip replacement showing the surgical approach to the hip joint

What Is Anterior Total Hip Replacement? Benefits & Recovery

/in /by

If hip arthritis is making it harder to walk, sleep, climb stairs, or enjoy the activities you once loved, you may have started looking into hip replacement surgery.

One question I hear often is: “What is anterior hip replacement, and is it better than the traditional approach?”

Anterior total hip replacement is one way of performing hip replacement surgery. The surgeon reaches the hip joint from the front of the hip rather than from the back or side.

One of the main reasons patients are interested in the anterior approach is that the surgeon can work between muscles and tissues around the hip instead of cutting through some of those muscles. This may help some patients with early mobility and recovery.

But I want to make one thing clear: anterior hip replacement is not automatically the right choice for every patient. Your anatomy, overall health, activity level, previous surgeries, and the surgeon’s experience all matter when choosing the safest approach.

Understanding Your Hip Before Surgery

Your hip is a ball-and-socket joint.

The ball is the top of your thighbone, called the femoral head. It fits into a rounded socket in your pelvis. Healthy cartilage covers these surfaces and allows the joint to move smoothly.

With arthritis, that cartilage gradually wears away. Eventually, the bones can rub against each other. This can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of motion.

You may notice pain when walking, getting into a car, putting on your shoes, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair. Some people also develop pain at night.

When these symptoms begin interfering with your everyday life and treatments such as medication, activity changes, injections, or physical therapy no longer provide enough relief, hip replacement may be considered.

What Happens During Anterior Hip Replacement?

During total hip replacement, the damaged ball and socket are replaced with artificial components.

With the anterior approach, the incision is made toward the front of the hip.

Here is a simple way to think about it.

Imagine you need to reach something inside a crowded room. You could move furniture out of the way, or you could find a natural pathway between the furniture and walk through it.

The anterior approach is somewhat similar. The surgeon works through a natural space between muscles and tissues to reach the hip joint.

The goal is to avoid cutting through some of the major muscles around the hip that are important for walking and stability.

This does not mean that the surgery is “muscle-free.” Every hip replacement involves working around muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. The important point is that the anterior approach can allow access to the hip through an interval between muscles.

That is one reason it may be helpful for certain patients.

What Are the Benefits?

Patients often ask whether anterior hip replacement means less pain and a faster recovery.

For some patients, there may be benefits during the early recovery period. These can include:

  • Earlier mobility
  • Less disruption of certain muscles
  • Potentially less early postoperative pain
  • Earlier return to some daily activities
  • The possibility of going home the same day for appropriately selected patients

 

But I would not promise that everyone will recover faster simply because the surgery was performed through the front of the hip.

Your recovery depends on many factors, including your general health, strength before surgery, age, activity level, medical conditions, and how your body responds to surgery.

The quality of the entire treatment plan matters—not just where the incision is made.

FAQ’s About Joint Replacement Surgeries | Dr. Matthew Russo, MD

Is Anterior Hip Replacement Better Than Other Approaches?

This is one of the most common questions I hear.

The honest answer is: there is no single approach that is best for every patient.

Anterior, posterior, and other approaches can all be used successfully for total hip replacement.

The right choice depends on your individual situation and your surgeon’s experience.

When I talk with a patient about hip replacement, I look beyond the surgical approach. I want to understand how your hip is affecting your life, what your goals are, and whether you have any factors that could affect surgery or recovery.

The goal is not to choose an approach because it sounds newer or better in an advertisement. The goal is to choose the approach that makes sense for you.

Walking on Your New Hip: Your Recovery Timeline

Every patient heals at a different pace. The timeline below gives you a general idea of what recovery may look like. Your own instructions may be different, and your surgeon’s recommendations should always come first.

Day 1: Getting Up and Moving

What you may feel

  • Your hip will be sore.
  • Some swelling or bruising is normal.
  • You may feel tired from the surgery and anesthesia.
  • Your leg may feel weak or unfamiliar at first.

 

Your mobility goals

  • Get out of bed safely with assistance.
  • Stand and take your first steps.
  • Walk with a walker or other support if needed.
  • Learn your exercises and safety instructions.

 

Surgeon’s Tip

Do not try to prove how strong you are on the first day. Let your care team help you. Your first goal is safe movement, not distance.

Depending on your health, surgery, home situation, and recovery progress, you may be able to go home the same day. Some patients need to stay overnight, and that is perfectly reasonable when additional monitoring or assistance is needed.

Week 1–2: Settling In at Home

What you may feel

  • Soreness and swelling should gradually improve.
  • You may still need pain medication.
  • Sleeping comfortably can be difficult at first.
  • You may tire more quickly than expected.

 

Your mobility goals

  • Walk regularly for short periods.
  • Continue your prescribed exercises.
  • Use your walker until you feel steady and your surgeon or therapist says you can progress.
  • Some patients transition to a cane during this period.

 

Surgeon’s Tip

Do a little at a time. Several short walks are usually more manageable than trying to take one long walk and ending up exhausted.

Weeks 3–6: Building Strength and Confidence

What you may feel

  • Pain should continue to decrease.
  • Your walking should feel more natural.
  • You may still have some stiffness or swelling.
  • You may begin feeling more like yourself.

 

Your mobility goals

  • Progress from a walker to a cane when appropriate.
  • Gradually increase walking distance.
  • Improve hip strength and movement.
  • Return to many normal daily activities as your surgeon allows.

 

Surgeon’s Tip

Do not let a good day fool you into doing too much. Your hip may feel excellent one morning and sore later that evening if you increase your activity too quickly.

Month 3 and Beyond: Getting Back to Your Life

By around three months, many patients have made significant progress.

You may be walking comfortably without a cane and returning to more of your normal activities. Strength and endurance can continue improving beyond this point.

Some patients recover sooner, while others need more time.

Your mobility goals

  • Walk comfortably without an assistive device.
  • Continue strengthening as recommended.
  • Gradually return to appropriate recreational activities.
  • Maintain a healthy level of activity to protect your overall joint health.

 

Surgeon’s Tip

Think long term. A successful hip replacement is not just about feeling better quickly. It is about building good movement habits and taking care of your new joint for years to come.

Three Questions Patients Often Worry About

“Am I going to dislocate my new hip?”

This is a common fear, but you do not need to spend your recovery constantly worrying about your hip popping out of place. I will give you specific movement and activity instructions based on your surgery and individual risk factors, and following those instructions is much more important than being afraid to move.

“When can I drive again?”

You should not drive until you are physically ready, are no longer impaired by medications that affect driving, and can safely control the vehicle and respond in an emergency. The timing varies from patient to patient, so I want you to discuss your specific situation with your surgeon before getting behind the wheel.

“Is physical therapy going to be painful?”

Some soreness is normal when you start moving and strengthening your hip, but therapy should not feel like you are being pushed through severe pain. The goal is steady progress, and your exercise program should be adjusted to your recovery rather than treating every patient exactly the same way.

Happy to help if you have more questions.

When Should You Call Your Surgeon?

Recovery is usually gradual, but you should know when something needs attention.

Contact your surgical team if you develop symptoms such as:

  • Increasing redness or drainage from the incision
  • Fever or chills
  • Severe or worsening pain
  • New or significant swelling
  • Calf pain or swelling
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain
  • A sudden change in your ability to walk or use the leg

 

If you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or another medical emergency, seek emergency medical care immediately. Total Joint Orthopedic Specialist in Scottsdale AZ | Matthew Russo, MD

The Bottom Line

Anterior total hip replacement gives the surgeon access to the hip joint from the front and allows the surgeon to work between certain muscles rather than cutting through some of them.

For the right patient, this approach can be part of a recovery plan designed around early movement and a return to normal activities. But the approach itself is only one piece of the puzzle.

When deciding whether anterior hip replacement is right for you, I consider your anatomy, medical history, lifestyle, goals, and overall health.
If hip arthritis is keeping you from walking comfortably, sleeping well, or doing the things you enjoy, the first step is a careful conversation and examination. From there, we can discuss your options and decide what makes the most sense for you.

About the Author

Top Doc 2026 ProofDr. Matthew W. Russo is a third-generation, board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic specialist specializing in total hip and knee replacement surgery. He focuses on helping patients understand their treatment options and uses current surgical techniques and technology to provide personalized joint replacement care.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every patient is different, and surgical decisions should be made with a qualified orthopedic surgeon after reviewing your symptoms, medical history, examination findings, imaging, and individual goals. If you have questions about hip pain or hip replacement surgery, speak with your orthopedic surgeon or other qualified healthcare professional.