Outpatient Joint Replacement

Same-Day Outpatient Total Joint Replacement

Outpatient joint replacement is the same as traditional joint replacement surgery but does not require an overnight stay in a hospital. Patients can undergo joint replacement surgery at a surgery center and return home the same day.

Patients with severe joint pain that have not responded to non-surgical methods such as medications, injections, physical therapy, activity modifications, or walking aids may be candidates for outpatient joint surgery.

Outpatient joint replacement provides patients with the option to recover from the comfort of their own homes, along with other benefits.

What to Know About Outpatient Joint Replacement

Joint replacements for hip, knee, and shoulder can be done in an outpatient setting. This can be either a hospital or a surgery center like our outpatient surgery center, Orthopedic Surgery Center of North Shore (OSCNS).
While outpatient joint surgery has a high success rate, certain factors make patients better candidates than others (see below for our suggestions).

Benefits of Outpatient Joint Replacement

Familiar recovery space – Patients have the ability to recover from their procedure within the comfort and privacy of their own homes. They can also control their own medications more easily.
Less infection risk – the risk of exposure to a hospital-acquired infection is lower when patients go home.
Cost savings – Outpatient joint replacement is typically less expensive and places less burden on the healthcare system because there is no hospital stay required.
Overall patient experience – Outpatient joint replacement in a surgery center with a dedicated orthopedic team can provide a better overall patient experience.

Who is a Good Candidate for Outpatient Joint Replacement?

Motivated – The patient has a positive attitude, wants to go home the same day, and will carefully follow the doctor’s post-operative instructions.
Healthy – Patients who are active, independent, and healthy are the best candidates for same-day joint replacement. Typically, patients should be under 80 years old.
Supported – Patients who have a network of friends and family members to help out in the early days post-procedure will have an easier recovery. A support person should be home with you for at least 72 hours after surgery.
Mobile – Patients should be walking with minimal assistance prior to surgery, usually without requiring a device like a walker or cane.

Familiar recovery space – Patients have the ability to recover from their procedure within the comfort and privacy of their own homes. They can also control their own medications more easily.
Less infection risk – the risk of exposure to a hospital-acquired infection is lower when patients go home.
Cost savings – Outpatient joint replacement is typically less expensive and places less burden on the healthcare system because there is no hospital stay required.
Overall patient experience – Outpatient joint replacement in a surgery center with a dedicated orthopedic team can provide a better overall patient experience.

Motivated – The patient has a positive attitude, wants to go home the same day, and will carefully follow the doctor’s post-operative instructions.
Healthy – Patients who are active, independent, and healthy are the best candidates for same-day joint replacement. Typically, patients should be under 80 years old.
Supported – Patients who have a network of friends and family members to help out in the early days post-procedure will have an easier recovery. A support person should be home with you for at least 72 hours after surgery.
Mobile – Patients should be walking with minimal assistance prior to surgery, usually without requiring a device like a walker or cane.