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Total joint arthroplasty is the gold standard treatment of patients with severe OA who failed to respond to conservative treatment or pain is severely affecting their normal activities. It can provide marked pain relief and functional improvement in patients with severe hip or knee OA. One study found after 12 months surgically treated patients had greater pain relief and improvement in normal activities than conservative treatment. With contemporary techniques, patients are typically allowed to weight bear as tolerated on the affected limb immediately after surgery. Pain control is important and accomplished by a multimodal approach. NSAIDS, analgesics, and narcotics may be used. Patients typically stay in the hospital for 5 or 6 days, although more patients are leaving sooner after surgery. Prevention of complications early after surgery is critical. Early complications include infections, failed prosthesis, wound dehiscence, and deep vein thrombosis. Pneumonia or atelectasis can be prevented with an incentive spirometer. Thrombotic events are prevented by compression stocking and/or chemical prophylaxis. Active exercises with early and frequent ambulation can also help to prevent thrombosis. Early mobilization on the day of surgery helped to improve outcomes and decrease hospital length of stay.