Joint Care Center

Joint Camp
When your surgeon schedules your procedure, you’ll be invited to a one-hour small-group educational session (with questions and answers) led by our Joint Center team. We’d like you and your support person to join us for lunch in our Roots Café afterwards.

Pre-Op
After you are registered on the day of your procedure, you will go to Pre-Op. You will be given an opportunity to speak to your surgeon and anesthesiologist. They can answer any questions you may have.

Anesthesia
Your anesthesiologist will discuss with you which form of anesthesia is best suited for you. Choices may include spinal anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia with sedation is usually recommended for joint replacement surgery. You will not be awake or aware during this type of anesthesia, and patients have fewer side effects from it. General anesthesia is also sometimes recommended, depending upon your medical history.

Surgery 
Before leaving the Pre-Op area for surgery, you will be given a sedative. Usually patients do not remember anything after receiving the sedative. Your family and friends will be asked to wait in our waiting area. After your surgery, your surgeon will contact them to give them an update on your status.

Recovery (PACU)
After your surgery has been completed, you will be taken to the Recovery Room, also called the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, or PACU. Your vital signs will be closely monitored, and any needed medications will be given. Ice will be applied to your surgical site for comfort. Patients usually remain in PACU for 1 to 2 hours before being transferred to their rooms. Family and friends are not allowed into the PACU area, but rather will reunite with you in your room.

Your Room
From PACU you will be taken to your room, where you may reunite with your family and friends. Your Joint Care Center nurse will greet you and instruct you on how to perform ankle pumps and deep breathing exercises. You may start drinking clear liquids and may resume a regular diet as tolerated. Your nurse will ask you about your pain, and you will be asked to rate it using a 0-10 pain scale. To relieve your pain most effectively, your nurse needs to know how well pain relief measures are working for you. Medications can be adjusted to meet your needs.

The Next Day 
Provided all is going well, you may get dressed in your own comfortable clothing if you desire, and you will participate in group therapy.

Discharge Home
After meeting predetermined discharge goals, you can be discharged from the hospital. If needed, a discharge planner will meet with you regarding any needs you may have, such as home care, private-duty assistance, or rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility. Before leaving the hospital, you will be given written instructions concerning medications, physical therapy, activity, wound care, and follow-up appointments.