Advances in surgery have made it possible to get a joint replacement and go home on the same day as the procedure. This type of joint replacement surgery is minimally invasive, needing only a small incision and using tiny instruments with a camera, which allow the surgeon to see inside the joint. The surgery is over in just an hour, which is why it can be performed in an outpatient setting. If you are curious about outpatient total joint replacement, here are some of the things you need to know about it.
What Conditions Can Be Treated With a Joint Replacement?
Arthritis affecting the hip or knee joints is the most common reason for needing a joint replacement. A total joint replacement may be recommended if the disease has progressed to a stage where the protective cartilage has completely worn away, and the patient is in severe pain and disability.
What Are the Benefits?
The many benefits of an outpatient total joint replacement are due to the fact that it is minimally invasive. Less pain, a shorter surgery time, a low risk of complications, and faster and more comfortable recovery are just some of the benefits of an outpatient joint replacement.
Am I a Good Candidate for the Procedure?
Not everyone is a good candidate for an outpatient total joint replacement. An orthopedic surgeon can determine if you are right for the procedure. Factors that can affect eligibility include your overall health, level of commitment to post-operative rehabilitation, and whether you have a support system to help you through the initial days of recovery. For instance, the bone should be able to support an artificial joint. Having unmanaged osteoporosis, which causes weak and brittle bones, could disqualify you from the procedure. Moreover, having a heart or kidney problem could affect your ability to return home on the same day as the procedure.
An ideal patient is healthy, independent, adheres to the doctor’s instructions, and is eager to actively participate in their recovery and rehabilitation.
How Long Will I Need Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy usually begins during the first few days after surgery. Stretching, strengthening, and range-of-motion exercises gradually increase in demand as you reach movement goals. Physical therapy not only helps restore function but also helps with pain management. It’s important that you discuss your goals with your physical therapist, so they can design a program that helps you reach them within an acceptable time frame.
Physical therapy sessions could last months after a total joint replacement– each patient is different. However, by the second month, you should be able to move without pain and use of assistive devices.
Outpatient Joint Replacement Therapy in Naples, FL
At North Naples Surgery Center, we specialize in outpatient surgical procedures and perform them in our well-equipped, world-class ambulatory surgery center, licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration.
If our orthopedic surgeons determine that you are an ideal candidate for the procedure, we would be more than happy to answer any questions you have about an outpatient total joint replacement. We are always looking for better ways to serve our patients. To schedule a consultation, call us today at (239) 529-2811 or use our online appointment request form.
