Hip and Knee Surgery

What to expect

At your first appointment you will be assessed by a medical student, resident, clinical fellow, or advanced practice physiotherapist, before meeting the staff orthopaedic surgeon. They will ask about your medical history and symptoms, and perform a physical exam.

Your surgeon will review your diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, and may order additional tests to learn more about your condition.  

If surgery is the best option for you, they will schedule your surgery and explain the procedure in detail, including the risks, benefits and expected recovery.  

Orthopaedic surgeons at Mount Sinai Hospital use a variety of different methods to perform procedures and surgeries including using robotics. They will work with you to tailor the surgery to your needs.

Your surgery

Before your surgery date, you will have an appointment at the Pre-Admission Unit. During this appointment you will meet with a nurse, an anaesthesiologist, a pharmacist and a social worker. You might also have additional laboratory testing in preparation for surgery. 

Topics covered will include how to prepare for surgery, the mobility and assistive devices you might need after surgery, and how to prepare your home for the recovery process. 

Learn more about what to expect from your appointment at the Pre-Admission Unit. 

On the day of your surgery, you will register at Perioperative Services on the 7th floor. 

Learn more about what will happens before you go into the operating room on the day of your surgery and after surgery in the Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU).  

A physiotherapist will see you while you are in the Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU). Your physiotherapist will talk to you about an exercise plan to help you recover. They will also teach you the following:

• How to get in and out of bed  
• How to walk properly with your walking aid
• How to climb stairs safely
• How to do your hip and knee exercises

It is important for you to be as active as possible after surgery to prevent complications. Our care team will work with you to manage your pain so that you can be as comfortable as possible as you recover.  

If you have met the criteria for day surgery, you will have your surgery and return home to recover on the same day. A caregiver must take you home and stay with you for 24 hours after your surgery. You are responsible for finding a caregiver before the day of your surgery. If a caregiver is not available for your day surgery, your surgery may be cancelled.  

If you need to stay in the hospital after your surgery, you will be moved to the inpatient unit to recover.  

Please note we are a teaching hospital, so you may see medical students, residents or other medical trainees as part of your care. Learners are supervised by other members of our dedicated care team who work together to provide you with comprehensive care. 

After your surgery

You will receive an appointment for follow-up with your surgeon. If you experience fever, chest pain or shortness of breath in the days following your surgery, please contact the surgeon’s office, phone the hospital and speak to the on-call team or go to the nearest emergency room.

What to bring

• Health (OHIP) card or valid health-care coverage
• A list of your current medications  
• A list of your current physicians  

Learn more about what to bring on the day of your surgery.