|
Total Joint Replacement
Program
 Mobility
is the cornerstone of independent living. Whether running
errands or marathons, sometimes people take for granted the
nerves and muscles and bones that make these actions
possible. When mobility is limited through injury or disease
a person realizes how integral our joints are to daily
living.
The Total Joint Replacement Program at Woodland Heights
Medical Center assists patients to regain mobility every
day. From diagnosis to discharge, the Total Joint
Replacement Program offers a truly comprehensive approach to
patient care, with an interdisciplinary team of experienced
healthcare professionals and dedicated on-site
rehabilitation facilities.
Comprehensive Care
The Total Joint Replacement Program takes an
interdisciplinary approach to patient care. A team of
skilled professionals—including orthopedic surgeons,
anesthesiologists, nurses, physical and occupational
therapists and case managers—work together to develop and
implement treatment plans for each patient.
Every patient’s treatment program actually begins before the
joint replacement surgery takes place. After the surgery is
scheduled, patients are contacted by the Pre-Admission
Nurse. This comprehensive pre-operative approach to patient
assessment will help the team understand as much as possible
about a patient’s medical condition, lifestyle, goals and
expectations.
 Regular
seminars (click here for calendar)
are offered to give an overview of the Total Joint
Replacement process. Members of the interdisciplinary team
are present at the class to provide information and answer
questions regarding the patient’s upcoming surgery. The
classes include an introduction to the team and educational
material about the joint replacement. Pre-operative
screening and testing are available based on individual
patient needs. Additionally, our team helps patients learn
more about setting up for home recovery, the types of
special equipment needed, and how to manage other health
problems before surgery. To prevent complications, a
physician and the team will talk with patients about
anesthesia choices and any medications that are being taken.
Our Pre-Admission Screening Nurse will also work with you to
make sure all pre-operative tests and procedures are
completed as needed.
Nutrition is another integral piece to the success of a
patient’s recovery. For more information on pre-surgical and
post-surgical food and drug interactions,
please click here. For more information on
pre-surgical and post-surgical balanced nutrition,
please click here.
From Surgery To Rehabilitation
 Patients
arrive at the Hospital on the morning of the procedure. Our
orthopedic team and the patient’s physician will discuss all
the details well in advance, so patients know exactly where
to go, what to do and what to expect.
Once surgery is complete, the Joint Replacement team steps
in to maximize your comfort while also beginning
rehabilitation and recovery. Various types of specialized
equipment, from foam wedges to cooling wraps, will be used
as needed to keep patients as comfortable as possible. Every
patient room has its own bathroom for convenience and
privacy.
Most patients experience some pain following surgery. Prior
to surgery, patients will be educated on pain management
options and strategies to manage pain on their own. Our team
of specially trained nurses will regularly monitor pain
levels and adjust medications as needed to manage
discomfort. It’s encouraging to note that many joint
replacement patients report that they suffer less discomfort
after surgery than they did before the procedure.
 Experience
has shown that the sooner a patient begins to use a new hip
or knee joint, the better their overall recovery will be.
Physical therapists will work with patients to assess their
abilities and teach them exercises and movements designed to
enhance recovery and protect new joints. In our kitchen and
bathroom, patients work with occupational therapists to
learn techniques and use tools that will help them function
independently and safely when cooking and caring for
themselves at home.
At Woodland Heights Medical Center, our patients are in the
capable hands of an interdisciplinary team. Patients can be
assured that your physician, nurses, therapists and other
caregivers are fully involved in tailoring the treatment
program to the patient’s individual needs. The
interdisciplinary team is kept informed of the patient’s
progress as they move ahead with rehabilitation.
Heading Home
 Most
patients stay with us for about three days after surgery.
Patient education and patient participation are essential to
a successful recovery and rehabilitation after a joint
replacement. We always strive to send patients directly home
after their in-patient stay. Age and overall health, as well
as any physical barriers such as stairs in the home, and
other factors may make it best for a patient to go to our
skilled nursing unit before returning home.
These issues are among many that the orthopedic team will
discuss with patients and families as part of discharge
planning. The process will begin before surgery. During a
patient’s stay at the Hospital, we can change the plan as
needed to ensure safety, security and recovery.
Before a patient goes home, we will help coordinate all
post-surgery equipment that may be needed from the Durable
Medical Equipment Company. Patients receive ample
instruction in caring for themselves, moving around safely,
how and when to do exercises, and much more. Working
together and patient education are the cornerstones of our
program.
We follow up to make sure patients are well on the road to
recovery. And whenever a patient or their family has a
question, the Pre-Admission nurse can be reached at
637-8585.
Even though joint replacements are becoming more and more
commonplace, choosing to undergo total joint replacement can
be a big step. We understand—and we’ll be with you, every
step of the way.
|
