Orthopaedic Services

Total Joint Replacement Program

Designed in 1994 by orthopaedic surgeons who lead the area in the number of joint replacement surgeries, the Total Joint Care Program was formed to facilitate the process. As the most important member of the team, the patient plays a proactive role in the recovery process. Other team members include the patient's surgeon, a registered nurse, physical and occupational therapists, case manager, health education nurse, and a registered dietician.

Performing more than 300 joint procedures each year, the Total Joint Care Team has demonstrated great success in reducing hospital stays, decreasing complications, and returning the patient to normal activity more quickly. Today, the average length of stay is approximately 3 1/2 days, with many patients discharged even earlier. While in the acute care setting, the patient undergoes an intensive post-operative therapy program. When necessary, some joint replacement patients also receive further rehabilitative care from the Rehabilitation Institute. Patients may also take advantage of many outpatient exercise and maintenance programs to further their functional performance following surgery.

Total Joint Care Components

Prehab
An individualized plan of care begins even before surgery with "prehab" exercise instruction and intensive education provided by physical therapists, nurses and respiratory therapists.
Observation and Evaluation
A registered nurse is personally assigned to assist in day-to- day observation and evaluation of the patient's condition. In addition, the RN is responsible for administering medications, helping the patient through prescribed activities, and directing pain control management.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is administered on a twice-a-day basis to improve patient activity levels. Included in these activities are transfer and gait training, increasing operative limb use, and precautionary instruction.
Occupational Therapy
The goal of occupational therapy is to return the patient to a lifestyle that is as independent as possible with regard to daily living activities (dressing, bathing and homemaking skills). Various precautions are also reviewed.
Respiratory Therapy
A registered respiratory therapist evaluates the patient and recommends treatments as indicated. Respiratory therapists also instruct patients in incentive spirometry to promote deep breathing.
Nutritional Counseling
Nutritional services provide inpatient and outpatient diet counseling by a qualified registered dietician. Upon physician request, the patient receives a nutritional assessment and assistance in menu planning. The registered dietician my also review specific diet instructions.
Case Management Services
A nurse case manager assists with the identification and discharge finalization needs as well as referral to inpatient rehabilitation,outpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing unit, or home health agency.