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Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is changing the way hip and knee replacements are done in Melbourne. By combining preparation, modern anaesthesia, advanced surgical techniques, and structured rehabilitation, ERAS helps you recover faster, with less pain, fewer complications, and a shorter hospital stay. For many patients, it means walking within hours, going home sooner, and returning to normal life with confidence.
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about ERAS: what it is, the science behind it, what to expect before, during, and after surgery, and whether it’s right for you.
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ERAS is a proven, evidence-based pathway designed to reduce the physical stress of surgery and support faster recovery. Instead of the old model of long fasting, high-dose opioids, and week-long hospital stays, ERAS focuses on:
- Preparation before surgery – education, exercise, nutrition, and medical optimisation
- Modern anaesthesia and pain relief – spinal or regional blocks, local anaesthetic, and multimodal medicines
- Minimally invasive techniques – reducing tissue trauma and blood loss
- Early mobilisation – walking within hours, guided by physiotherapists
- Enhanced nutrition and hydration – avoiding long fasts and restoring energy quickly
- Structured home recovery – clear plans, exercises, and follow-up care
The aim is to get you home safely, sooner, and in better condition than traditional approaches.
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1. Before Surgery – Preparing Your Body and Mind
- Education sessions – you and your family learn exactly what to expect, reducing anxiety and building confidence.
- Pre-habilitation exercises – targeted strengthening of hips, knees, and core muscles improves post-op mobility.
- Optimising health – controlling blood pressure, diabetes, smoking cessation, or weight management lowers risk.
- Nutrition planning – carbohydrate drinks up to 2 hours before surgery prevent dehydration and weakness.
- Home preparation – clear walking paths, supportive chairs, bathroom rails, and a support person for 24–48 hours.
2. During Surgery – Safer, Smarter Techniques
- Minimally invasive surgery (where appropriate) – smaller incisions, less muscle damage.
- Spinal or nerve blocks – providing excellent pain relief without heavy general anaesthesia.
- Local anaesthetic infiltration – numbs the surgical area for long-lasting comfort.
- Careful fluid and temperature management – prevents fatigue and aids recovery.
- Blood conservation techniques – reducing transfusion needs.
3. After Surgery – Recovery Starts Immediately
- Walking within hours – guided by physiotherapists with a frame or crutches.
- Multimodal pain plan – paracetamol, anti-inflammatories, and short courses of stronger medicines only if required.
- Rapid return to eating and drinking – fuelling your body for healing.
- Blood clot prevention – early mobilisation and protective medication if needed.
- Clear discharge planning – you only go home when you are safe and supported.
4. At Home – Supported Recovery
- Personalised exercise plan – designed by your physiotherapist for strength, flexibility, and balance.
- Regular check-ins – in person or via telehealth.
- Wound and medication guidance – clear written instructions and rapid access to your care team if needed.
- Gradual return to daily life – walking independently, reducing reliance on aids, and resuming hobbies sooner.
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- Shorter hospital stay – often same-day or 1–2 nights
- Less pain and nausea – through multimodal medicine and local anaesthetic
- Faster mobility – walking sooner reduces stiffness and boosts confidence
- Lower risks – fewer complications like infection or clots
- Higher satisfaction – patients feel informed, supported, and in control
Research and registry data in Australia confirm that ERAS improves outcomes for hip and knee replacement patients compared with traditional pathways.
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While ERAS is safe for most patients, it may not be suitable if you have:
- Severe, unstable medical conditions needing intensive monitoring
- Limited or no home support for the first few days
- Significant anxiety about early discharge
- A home environment not safe for recovery
In these cases, a longer hospital stay may be recommended. The ERAS pathway is flexible — your safety always comes first.
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Most patients undergoing hip or knee replacement can follow an ERAS pathway. It is especially beneficial if you:
- Want to be active in your recovery
- Have family or carer support at home
- Are motivated to follow physiotherapy and exercise plans
Suitability is assessed individually by your surgeon and anaesthetist. Even if you don’t meet every criterion, parts of the ERAS program can still improve your recovery.
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ERAS works hand-in-hand with short-stay joint replacement and no-gap programs available at selected Melbourne hospitals. These models aim to:
- Support faster, safer discharge
- Reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients
- Provide seamless follow-up and physiotherapy support
Our team can check your private health fund eligibility and design the best pathway for you.
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Ready for hip or knee replacement with less pain, a shorter stay, and faster recovery? Enhanced Recovery After Surgery may be the right pathway for you.
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