What is outpatient joint replacement?
Outpatient joint replacement is the newest iteration of joint replacement surgery. When you go in for outpatient joint replacement, you have surgery early in the morning, receive a pain-blocking shot before lunchtime, and start physical therapy in the afternoon. You then can recover in extended stay rooms along the river and if needed will then stay a night or two in a comfort suite at the neighboring hotel.
What are the advantages of outpatient joint replacement?
Outpatient joint replacement offers eligible patients a number of attractive advantages, including:
Lower infection risk
At the hospital, you face potentially daily exposure to sick people. So, it’s much easier to pick up an infection there, either at your surgery site or elsewhere, when you spend more time in the hospital.
Less pain
Surgeons typically control pain after inpatient operations using regular doses of IV pain killers. In contrast, after outpatient joint replacement, you have other options to help control pain and get you up and moving sooner.
More comfortable recovery
Your home is familiar, comfortable, and free from the constant chaos of staff, patients, and visitors talking and walking around. The ease and comfort of hotel accommodations and then home makes recovery much more pleasant.
Better physical therapy
When you have outpatient surgery, your physical therapy team starts working with you the same day or shortly after you get home. Their approach is more aggressive and comprehensive, and in the end, gets you back on your feet more quickly.
Having joint replacement surgery can be a very stressful experience, but there are ways you can prepare.
How can I prepare for total joint replacement surgery?
Planning ahead for your joint replacement surgery can improve the success of your surgery and help you recover faster. Be sure to ask questions and address any fears or anxieties you may have.
Here are some steps to follow to prepare for your surgery:
- Schedule your surgery, post-operative exam, and any physical therapy appointments, if needed
- Complete your pre-operative exam
- Complete the “Total Joint Pre-operative Questionnaire”
- Schedule time off of work
- Begin your hip or knee exercises
- Confirm your health insurance coverage
- Watch a joint replacement DVD
- Apply for a Disability Parking Certificate, if needed
- Complete any necessary dental care
- Prepare a healthcare directive
- Learn about adaptive equipment
- Prepare your home for your return after surgery
It is important for you to play an active role in your recovery after surgery. Be sure to ask for help and let your nurse know how you are doing. If there is anything you do not understand, ask questions.
What is a hotel recovery program?
You can qualify to receive post-surgery care through the hotel recovery plan. If you qualify, you will be taken to a suite at the adjacent Marriott hotel following a short post-operative recovery period in a Riverview Surgical Center extended stay suite.
Their nursing staff will be onsite during your stay at the hotel, and you begin your physical therapy and rehabilitation program there. The people supporting you at home are also required to stay with you at the hotel and learn their roles so they can assist in your recovery.
Prior to surgery, you will meet with a physical therapist to show you exercises that you will work on pre-operatively, and you will have crutch/walker training. After your surgery, your physical therapist shows you how to move around safely and complete exercises so you can regain your strength and mobility.
Some goals of physical therapy include:
- Strengthening the muscles that support your new joint
- Restoring the range of motion of your new joint
- Understanding how to perform specific exercises once you are home
- Following restrictions for positioning and movement
- Getting in and out of bed properly
- Using assistive devices to safely by yourself
- Climbing the stairs safely
What happens after I leave the hotel?
Your level of independence varies after surgery and depends on your discharge instructions. Depending on your recovery, you have three discharge options. In addition, insurance plans vary in their coverage, check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.
- Home exercises with outpatient physical therapy: If you think you will need help with exercises and someone can drive you to appointments, outpatient physical therapy is a good option
- Home exercises without outpatient physical therapy: If your recovery will likely to progress quickly and you can do exercises on your own, you may not need outpatient physical therapy.
- Home exercises with at-home physical therapy: If you are likely to be homebound because of fatigue, weakness, or physical limitations, a physical therapist visits you at your home.
Complications can occur after your operation, such as infection, stiffness, headache, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury and fracture. You can take steps to prevent many of these complications. Watch for and report any symptoms to your doctor.
What are types of joint replacement surgeries?
We will offer various types of total joint replacement surgeries including:
- Knee replacement
- Shoulder replacement
- Ankle replacement
- Small and medium joint replacement
Advantages of the program include:
- Reduced cost compared to an overnight stay in a hospital
- A comfortable environment without the noise and foot traffic common to hospitals
- Nursing care on-site for the duration of your stay.
- Someone to stay with you at the hotel
- High quality food
- Convenient location
The location of the hotel is Delta Hotels by Marriott South Sioux City Riverfront at 385 E 4th St, South Sioux City, NE 68776.
Is outpatient joint replacement right for me?
Outpatient joint replacement is a great option for otherwise healthy individuals who have a good support system at home. A good support system includes family and/or friends who are:
- Educated on the requirements of your at-home care
- Aware of potential postoperative complications and what they look like
- Committed to helping you with your recovery
It’s very important that before surgery, you establish who will be your primary at-home care provider. You should also set up a care schedule, and make sure that your caregivers have an open line of communication with your health care team so that they can keep them up to date.
Who is eligible for the program?
This program is available for patients who are healthy. Individuals with acute or significant heart disease, insulin-dependent diabetes, uncontrolled sleep apnea or a body mass index (BMI) over 40 may not qualify for the program.
To learn more, contact your orthopedic surgeon at Riverview Surgical Center today.
