What’s Involved in Your Joint Replacement

If you’re like most, you’ll be in the hospital just two or three days. While this may sound fast, your recuperation from surgery will occur rapidly.All you need to do is follow the instructions of your team. A pathway brochure and education booklet are available from your physician. We also encourage you to attend the Total Joint Replacement Clinic prior to your surgery. This seminar is a chance for you to meet members of your orthopedic team to discuss various details of your joint replacement. Take this opportunity to ask them any and all questions you may have. We invite you to bring a reliable friend or family member who can be your “coach. He or she will encourage and motivate you prior to surgery, during your hospital stay, and throughout your recovery and rehabilitation at home. At the Total Joint Clinic, you’ll learn how to prepare your home, what to expect during your hospital stay, and what precautions you’ll need to take after your surgery.

Preadmission Testing

You’ll complete paperwork and undergo lab tests prior to your admission in order to streamline your hospital stay.

Surgery

Led by your board-certified orthopedic surgeon, your specially trained joint replacement team will operate in a state-of-the-art surgical suite outfitted specifically for orthopedic procedures. While the joint replacement itself usually lasts two to three hours, the entire process, including anesthesia and recovery, may last most of the day. Once you’re in your hospital room, your team will monitor your progress and provide pain control. The nurses in the operating room and caring for you in your hospital room are specially trained to take care of the needs of the orthopedic patient. Many Providence nurses have completed rigorous course work and are nationally certified as orthopedic nurses.

Rapid Rehabilitation and Recovery

The Providence Hospital Rapid Rehab and Recovery Program is the process of coordinated efforts by the Joint Replacement Team to help the patient attain the goals of pain control, healing, physical therapy, and exercise in order to facilitate your return home in a safe and expedient manner. With the help of Providence physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses, you’ll begin rehabilitation in your bed on the day of your surgery. On day one, you’ll be walking and visiting the bathroom on your own. You'll be ready for discharge home by day two or three. Once home, you’ll continue daily therapy. Although therapists will monitor your progress, we expect you to exercise at home on your own every day.

Patient and caregiver support

A joint replacement will cause big changes in your lifestyle. Our social work team is available to provide you and your family emotional support and counseling along the way.If needed, they’ll also help you with home care needs.

Discharge planning

We want to make your return home as smooth as possible. Our discharge planners will help you with insurance issues and equipment needs.

For more information about the Joint Replacement Program at Providence Hospital, please contact Pete Rogers, RN, ONC, Orthopedic Services Coordinator, at 248-849-2569.