For elderly patients, joint replacement surgery is commonly required to treat joints damaged from arthritis or other forms of joint disease including rheumatoid arthritis. In these procedures the damaged joint surface is removed and replaced with artificial surfaces which may be metal, ceramic or plastic. 

 

These operations are major procedures which require the patient to be in hospital for several days, followed by a period of rehabilitation at home. 

 

Occasionally blood transfusions are required. If you have some concerns raise these with your surgeon during consultation.

 

Waitematā DHB Patient Information Videos

It is important to ensure you have the support of family and friends and so we encourage you to watch these video presentations with them.

By now you will have been in for a specialist assessment at either our Elective Surgery Centre or North Shore Hospital and your surgeon has confirmed your need for surgery. You can assist in the success of your operation and recovery by being well prepared. Most of our patients go home within 3-4 days depending on the type of procedure they have had so we encourage you to give your immediate rehabilitation period your very best shot. The success of your surgery depends greatly on you. Now is the time to start planning for your return home and post-operative rehabilitation.

To read an Explanation of Terms used in these videos - click here.