Skip to main content
HealthNaro

Orthopaedics service

Joint Replacement

Hip, knee and shoulder replacement surgery.

How this page was made: Drafted by the HealthNaro Editorial Team with AI assistance, checked against reputable health sources, and not yet clinically reviewed. Editorial policy

Joint Replacement is usually provided within Orthopaedic Surgery, typically by orthopaedic surgeons. Providers list the services they offer themselves; HealthNaro shows prices, hours and other details only when the provider has supplied them.

A display of different artificial hip joint components
Image: FE2656BA, "Hip prostheses on display in London Science Museum 2022", CC BY-SA 4.0, source

What it involves

Joint replacement is an operation in which a damaged joint surface is replaced with an artificial one, made of metal, plastic or ceramic. It is most often done for the hip or knee. An orthopaedic surgeon performs the operation in a hospital, usually under general or spinal anaesthesia, and it is followed by structured rehabilitation.

Who it is for

It is considered for people whose joint is badly damaged, usually by osteoarthritis, and whose pain and loss of movement affect daily life after other treatments have been tried. The decision is made together with the surgeon after assessment, and not everyone is suited to surgery.

How long it usually takes

The operation takes a few hours, and the hospital stay is often short, from a day to several days. Recovery and rehabilitation continue for weeks to months.

What to expect

Before surgery you have assessment, tests and a discussion of benefits and risks. After the operation you start moving with help, often with a physiotherapist the same or next day. You are given exercises and instructions on wound care, and follow-up visits check progress.

Aftercare

Follow the surgeon's instructions about movement, walking aids, wound care and exercise. Attend all rehabilitation sessions. Contact the team if you have increasing pain, swelling, redness or fever, or calf pain and swelling.

When to seek it

Ask about surgery if joint pain and stiffness are limiting your life and other treatments have not been enough. Sudden severe pain, fever or an inability to bear weight needs prompt attention.

What affects the cost

Cost depends on the joint, the implant, the hospital stay, the anaesthetic, rehabilitation and any complications, and varies a great deal between facilities. HealthNaro shows a price only where a clinic has supplied a figure with a source and date.

Read more in our guide: An orthopaedic consultation for joint pain: assessment, options and when surgery is considered.

This page is general information and not medical advice. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number.

Sources: NHS; NHS; NICE.

Providers offering joint replacement

No providers list joint replacement yet.

We can still help you find care

We do not list providers offering joint replacement yet. Tell us what you need and we will find options for you.

We do not list providers offering joint replacement yet

Tell us what you need and we will find options for you.

Give at least one way to reach you.

Please do not include detailed medical history or identity documents.

Free for patients. No obligation.

Cookies on HealthNaro

We use strictly necessary cookies to run the site. With your permission we also use analytics cookies to understand which pages help people find care. No patient data is ever sent to analytics. Cookie preferences