During joint replacement, a surgeon removes parts of a damaged joint and replaces them with a prosthesis made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. The most common joint replacement surgeries are for the hip and knee, but they can also be performed on the wrist, ankle, elbow, or shoulder.

Joint replacement surgery can provide enormous relief of pain for people with arthritis or damaged joints. At the same time, the procedure can significantly impact your life during recovery.

Here are three important things to know before joint replacement surgery.