Outpatient joint replacement: Is it a safe option?

Yes. Advances in surgical techniques, implants and pain control have made outpatient joint replacement possible.

Shoulder, elbow, hip and knee replacements can all be done safely as outpatient surgery. This also is called same-day surgery. As a result, most people who have these procedures don't need to stay overnight in the hospital.

Being able to go home the same day your joint is replaced provides major benefits, including:

• More comfortable recovery in your own home.
• Faster return to your typical activities.
• Lower risk of certain complications, such as infection.

Most people can go home a few hours after joint replacement because:

• Pain is minimized with nerve blocks and numbing in and around the joint, called regional anesthesia.
• Damage to muscles around the joint is minimal.
• Accelerated physical therapy provides safe mobility and quicker recovery.

Your care team considers your situation and your health when deciding whether you can go home soon after replacement surgery. A little bit of assistance at home is needed for a few days after the procedure. Do you have a family member or friend who can help?

Having certain conditions, such as kidney failure or severe heart and lung conditions, may affect your ability to go home the same day as the surgery. The need for other hospital services, such as dialysis, also may affect the length of stay. Otherwise, most people are better off going home the same day.

Studies have shown that outpatient same-day surgery is not only safe but also is a more satisfactory experience. The key is to have help at home for a few days after the procedure. It's also important to educate yourself before surgery. Your surgical and physical therapy teams experienced in outpatient joint replacement can share information with you about your surgery and recovery. Your care team also may direct you to educational materials available online.