Online Guide to
Outpatient Joint Replacement
At Appalachian Orthopedics, our specialty-trained joint replacement surgeons are proud to bring advanced outpatient joint procedures to patients across the Tri-Cities region. With care delivered through modern outpatient surgery centers, many patients are able to return home the very same day as surgery, beginning recovery in the comfort of their own home.
Our team has extensive experience in joint reconstruction and is dedicated to restoring mobility and relieving pain. We create individualized treatment plans and support you through every step of the process—from your first consultation to your full recovery.
Using the most advanced techniques, our joint replacement surgeons offer a range of same-day outpatient joint replacement procedures, including:
- Ankle replacement
- Anterior hip replacement
- Robotic-assisted joint replacement
- Total hip replacement
- Total knee replacement
- Reverse shoulder replacement
- Total shoulder replacement
Our commitment at Appalachian Orthopedics is to provide exceptional, patient-centered joint care close to home. With trusted expertise and compassionate guidance, we strive to make your outpatient joint replacement experience as safe, effective, and comfortable as possible.
Our Outpatient Joint Replacement Specialists
The outpatient joint replacement surgeons at Appalachian Orthopedics are dedicated to delivering the highest level of care for every patient. With specialized training and years of experience in joint replacement surgery, our team follows the most advanced, patient-centered protocols to achieve the best possible outcomes. Our surgeons use proven techniques designed for efficient recovery, and they take pride in helping you find lasting relief from joint pain so you can get back to the lifestyle and activities you enjoy.
Benefits of Outpatient Joint Replacement
At Appalachian Orthopedics, our specialty-trained surgeons perform a wide range of outpatient joint procedures—including anterior hip replacement, partial and total knee replacement, robotic-assisted procedures, and both total and reverse shoulder replacement. Choosing outpatient joint replacement at a surgery center offers patients several advantages:
Discharged the Same Day and Recovery: In most cases, patients return home the very day of surgery, beginning the healing process in the comfort of their own space.
Lower Cost of Care: Outpatient procedures are often more cost-effective than traditional hospital-based joint replacement.
Reduced Infection Risk: Outpatient surgery centers provide a highly controlled environment designed to support a safe, efficient recovery.
Convenience and Comfort: Recovering at home allows you to rest in familiar surroundings with the support of loved ones.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a strong candidate for outpatient joint replacement if you:
Active Life: You're an active person generally, but joint pain is holding you back.
Independent Mobility: Ideally before surgery, you are able to walk independently or with minimal help.
Overall Health: You're in good overall health and able to undergo surgery and physical therapy afterward.
Home Support: You have family or friends to help you at home.
Infection-Free Past: You have no history of serious infections.
What to Expect
Choosing outpatient joint replacement is an important decision and taking steps ahead of time can make your surgery and recovery at home smoother and more successful.
How to Prepare:
- Learn About Your Procedure: Talk with your surgeon about the details of your surgery, including recovery expectations and any possible risks. Take advantage of any educational resources or classes recommended by your care team.
- Get Your Home Ready: Set up a safe and comfortable recovery area. Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs, consider adding grab bars in the bathroom, and arrange furniture so you can easily move around with a walker or cane. Have supplies such as medications, ice packs, and other essentials ready before your surgery.
- Plan for Support: Make arrangements for a family member, friend, or caregiver to stay with you and help during the first several days after surgery. Having reliable assistance in place is key to a safe recovery.
Prehabilitation (Prehab):
- Focus on Your Health: If you smoke, quitting ahead of surgery can lower your risk of complications and help your body heal. Work with your doctor to manage any ongoing health conditions before surgery.
- Build Strength and Flexibility: Doing recommended prehab exercises can improve muscle strength, balance, and range of motion. A physical therapist or your doctor can guide you in creating a program tailored to your needs.
Outpatient joint replacement is designed to make recovery quicker and more convenient than traditional inpatient surgery. While each patient’s experience is unique, here’s a general outline of what you can expect on the day of your procedure:
- Check-In and Preparation: When you arrive at the surgery center, you’ll meet your care team. Nurses will review your vital signs, go over medications, and get you ready for surgery.
- Anesthesia: Patients may receive regional anesthesia, which numbs the area around the joint, often combined with light sedation to help you relax. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used.
- During Surgery: Your surgeon will make a small incision to access the joint. The damaged bone or cartilage will be carefully removed and replaced with an artificial implant. Once the joint is reconstructed, the incision is closed with sutures or staples. The procedure usually lasts a few hours.
- Recovery and Going Home: After surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area where your comfort and stability are closely observed. Once you’re able to safely walk with assistance and meet discharge criteria, you’ll return home to continue your recovery that same day.
This overview is meant as a general guide. Your surgeon will review the details of your specific procedure with you beforehand and answer any questions you may have.
After your outpatient joint replacement, your focus at home will be on rest, healing, and gradually regaining strength. Here’s what you can expect during recovery:
- Pain Management: Your surgeon will provide a pain control plan, which may include prescribed medication and regular use of ice packs around the incision. Following your medication schedule as directed will help you stay comfortable as you begin moving again. Physical therapy will also play an important role in managing discomfort as your strength improves.
- Physical Therapy: Soon after surgery, you’ll begin working with a physical therapist who will guide you through safe exercises. These start gently and increase in difficulty as you progress, helping restore flexibility, range of motion, and long-term function in your new joint.
- Incision Care: Keeping your incision clean and dry is important. Your care team will give you clear instructions on how to care for the surgical site and let you know when bathing or showering is safe.
- Returning to Activity: While rest is essential, gentle movement is equally important to avoid stiffness. You’ll likely use a walker, cane, or other aid at first, but with guidance from your therapist, you’ll gradually put more weight on the joint and return to your normal activities over time.
Recovery takes patience and steady effort. Celebrate small milestones along the way, and contact your surgeon right away if you notice unusual symptoms such as excessive pain, redness, swelling, fever, or anything that feels concerning.
Rehabilitation is a vital part of recovery after outpatient joint replacement. Physical therapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and mobility so you can return to your daily activities with confidence. Here’s what you can expect:
- Getting Started: Within the first day or two after surgery, a physical therapist will meet with you to begin gentle exercises. These early movements help reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and set the foundation for recovery.
- Personalized Plan: Your therapist will design a rehabilitation program tailored to your needs. As you grow stronger, the exercises will gradually progress, focusing on stretches, strengthening routines, and practicing everyday movements with walking aids such as a cane or walker.
- Functional Training: To prepare you for real-life activities, your therapist will guide you through tasks like standing up from a chair, reaching overhead, or navigating stairs.
- Length of Therapy: Most patients continue physical therapy for several weeks to a few months. Over time, sessions may become less frequent, but your therapist will remain a resource for questions and ongoing support.
Be open about how you feel during therapy. If you experience pain or discomfort, let your therapist know so your program can be adjusted for safe, steady progress.
Recovering at home after outpatient joint replacement often means making some short-term changes to your daily routine and environment. These adjustments can help keep you safe, comfortable, and on track with healing:
- Activity Restrictions: In the early stages, you’ll need to avoid heavy lifting, high-impact activities, and certain movements. Your surgeon and physical therapist will give you specific instructions on what to limit and when you can safely increase activity.
- Home Safety: Preparing your living space can make recovery smoother. Simple changes like removing loose rugs, adding grab bars in the bathroom, or using a raised toilet seat can reduce risks. Assistive tools, such as long-handled reachers, can also make everyday tasks easier.
- Self-Care First: Prioritize rest, balanced meals, and hydration to support your healing. Don’t hesitate to ask family or friends to help with cooking, cleaning, or errands so you can focus your energy on recovery and physical therapy.
- Gradual Return to Activities: As your strength and mobility improve, you’ll be able to ease back into favorite activities, whether that’s light exercise, hobbies, or social outings. The key is to pace yourself and follow your body’s cues—overdoing it too soon can slow progress.
Throughout your recovery, your Appalachian Orthopedics care team will be available to answer questions, adjust your plan, and support you every step of the way.
Advanced Outpatient Joint Replacement Procedures
At Appalachian Orthopedics, our specialty-trained joint replacement surgeons are dedicated to providing advanced care for patients with hip, knee, and shoulder conditions. As regional leaders in joint replacement, our team uses the latest techniques to perform outpatient procedures that restore mobility and help you return to the activities you enjoy.
Treatments Include:
Frequently Asked Questions
Outpatient joint replacement is a procedure in which a damaged joint—most often the hip, knee, or shoulder—is replaced with an artificial implant. Unlike a traditional hospital stay, patients are able to return home the very same day to begin recovery in a familiar environment.
Some of the key benefits include recovering at home instead of the hospital, reduced risk of infection, lower overall costs, and an earlier return to normal routines and activities.
Certain medicines, such as blood thinners, may need to be paused before your procedure. Your surgeon will review your medication list in advance and give you clear instructions.
To make your recovery space safer, consider removing loose rugs or clutter from walkways, arranging furniture for easier movement, and having essentials like ice packs and prescribed medications ready ahead of time.
When you arrive, your care team will prepare you for surgery. You’ll receive either regional anesthesia (to numb the surgical area) or general anesthesia, depending on your needs as well as other medication through IV. The procedure typically takes a few hours.
Some discomfort is expected, but pain management is a top priority. Medications and other strategies will be used before, during, and after surgery to help keep you comfortable.
Most patients are discharged later the same day once they’ve met safety milestones, such as walking with assistance and having stable vital signs.
Your surgeon and physical therapist will guide you on when and how to safely put weight on your joint. This timeline will be tailored to your procedure and progress.
Physical therapy begins shortly after surgery and is essential for rebuilding strength, flexibility, and movement. Your therapist will create a customized program and help you practice safe exercises and daily activities.
Full recovery can take several months, but most patients notice meaningful improvements in pain and mobility within the first few weeks. Your progress will continue as you stay consistent with therapy.
Yes—when performed on select patients, outpatient joint replacement has been proven to be safe and effective. Your surgeon will evaluate your health and make sure this option is right for you.
Most patients are able to get back to their favorite activities, including exercise and hobbies, after recovery. Your doctor will guide you on when it’s safe to resume specific activities.
From Our Patients
Additional Resources
For additional information about joint replacement specialists, procedures, and care options, explore the resources available through the institutions linked below.