Joint replacement surgery replaces worn and painful parts of joints, such as your hip or knee, with an artificial joint (prosthesis). Another name for this surgery is arthroplasty.

The surgery aims to improve your quality of life by allowing you do more of the things that may have become difficult due to arthritis and joint pain.

We expect you will go home the day of, or the day after, your surgery at Fremantle Hospital. Your recovery after surgery will depend on many factors, including:

• your fitness and readiness for surgery
• the type of surgery you have
• how well your pain and symptoms are managed after surgery.

Your joint replacement nurse

A few weeks before your surgery you will be contacted by a joint replacement nurse. Their role is to support you throughout your journey by:

• offering you education and information prior to surgery
• providing follow-up care through regular phone consultations once you return home.

Please contact your joint replacement nurse as soon as possible if you:

• start to feel unwell, have any cuts, scratches or rashes in the week before your surgery
• have any questions about your preparation for surgery.

Understanding your journey

Read how actively participating in your care before and after surgery can improve your recovery and overall results of your surgery.