What to Expect
Annually, more than 500,000 people undergo total joint replacement surgery. Primary candidates are individuals with chronic joint pain from arthritis that interferes with daily activities, walking, exercise, leisure, recreation and work. The goal of your surgery is to eliminate pain, restore your independence and return you to work and other daily activities.
There are five major components of the program specially designed to rehabilitate your new joint the best way possible:
- In-depth education
- Wellness model
- High motivation
- Group dynamics
- Professional team of staff members
Joint replacement patients typically recover quickly. They get out of bed and walk a short distance the day of surgery. Generally, most patients are able to return to driving in two to four weeks, dancing in four to six weeks and golf in six to 12 weeks.
In our comprehensive planned course of treatment, the patient plays a key role in promoting a successful recovery. We involve you in your treatment through each step of the program with an emphasis on a healthy outlook throughout the entire surgical experience. The healthcare team at VVMC does not view joint replacement patients as sick; rather, they understand the patient has had a procedure to help return them to a more active lifestyle.
We encourage the patient to invite a family member or friend to act as a “coach.” This person may be present throughout the stay and help motivate for a faster recovery. Throughout the program, patients have the opportunity to share their recovery experience with others who are undergoing the same life event.
Your team includes physicians, physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners, patient care technicians (PCTs), nurses, orthopaedic technicians, and physical and occupational therapists specializing in total joint care. Every detail, from preoperative teaching to postoperative exercising, is considered and reviewed with you. The orthopaedic coordinator will assist in the planning of your individual treatment program, and guide you through it.
The Joint Replacement Program at VVMC is unique. It is a dedicated center within the hospital where patients have their surgery on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, and return home after a two- to three-night stay in the hospital.
Features of our program include:
- Board certified orthopaedic surgeons, utilizing the most advanced surgical techniques
- Laminar flow method of purified air exchange in operating suites
- Nurses, patient care technicians, and physical and occupational therapists who specialize in the care of joint patients
- Private rooms
- Emphasis on group activities as well as individual care
- Group lunches with staff
- Family and friends educated to participate in the recovery process
- An orthopaedic coordinator who arranges all preoperative care and discharge planning
- A comprehensive Orientation Packet for you to follow from six weeks preoperatively until three months postoperatively and beyond
- Coordinated after-care program
- Public education seminars
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