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Overview

Orthopedic care at Sanford USD Medical Center has taken a new step in providing service to patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery. We are excited to introduce the Center for Joint Success to you.

The center is on the Orthopedic Unit, which is located on the 5^th floor of the hospital. It provides care for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery in an environment that promotes wellness, patient and family education and encourages early rehabilitation. Following group and individual physical and occupational therapy, patients are usually ready for discharge within three (3) days following their surgery.

The "Total Joint Team" has carefully developed a plan for your care. This means that orthopedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, nutritionists and representatives from the hospital services all work together to provide you with quality medical care.

Your "Coach" plays a very important part in your surgery and recovery. This person should be a spouse, relative, significant other or friend who will be able to help you throughout your surgery period. This person should come with you to your appointments before your surgery, be able to help you while you are in the hospital and will be able to help you at home and throughout your rehabilitation. Please select someone who can assist you through all of these phases of the joint program.

"Coach" responsibilities:

attend the 3-hour pre-op class 4-weeks before surgery

assist with learning your pre-op exercises

participate in patient cares and therapies in the hospital

stay with you the patient and be available to assist for 72 hours after discharge from the hospital

A "coach" will not be expected to lift or carry patients, only help direct, or instruct or remind patients.

Having someone to help you physically, mentally and emotionally through a surgical experience is very valuable and helps to promote success. We encourage and support the use of a “coach” for all total joint patients.

Joint Program Scheduling
After your surgeon schedules your surgery at Sanford USD Medical Center, you will receive a packet of information. This will include the dates you are to attend the pre-op class and your surgery date, a yellow patient history and envelope as well as the pre-admission registration form to return to Sanford USD Medical Center as soon as you can. Please call the Center for Joint Success at 605-328-5191 if you have any questions.

Approximately four (4) weeks prior to your surgery you will meet with the Case Manager who will provide you and your "Coach" with detailed information about your total joint replacement surgery. This session will include a discussion about the following:

Normal anatomy of the hip and knee

Changes that occur within the joints with arthritis

X-ray review comparing a normal joint with an arthritic joint

Appearance of the joint replacement prosthesis

Overview of the phases of the total joint program

What to expect in the hospital after your operation

Home instructions and restrictions following your surgery

Discharge planning

A pharmacist will meet with you to obtain a medication and allergy history and review the medications that you are currently taking. He will also be able to answer any medication-related questions that you may have. PLEASE BRING A BAG CONTAINING ALL MEDICATIONS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY TAKING (both prescription and non-prescription medications, including eye drops, inhalers, vitamins, etc.)

We have found that better patient understanding reduces hospital stay because patients can participate more actively in their own care. The teaching session is approximately 3 hours in length. We encourage you to bring your "Coach" to this session. Please feel free to ask any questions you have regarding your surgery, your hospital stay, or home care needs.

This session is held in the NORTH Center. You may park in the parking lot behind the NORTH Center off of 17^th Street.

Pre-Operative Physical Therapy (PT)/Occupational Therapy (OT) Evaluation and Pre-Conditioning Class
Immediately following the Pre-Operative Teaching Session, you will be seen by physical and occupational therapy. The purpose and goals of these sessions are as follows:

Evaluation of your strength and mobility. This will allow the therapists to address any problem areas before you have your surgery. For instance, if you have trouble getting in and out of a chair or bed, or trouble with dressing or bathing your lower body, the therapist can provide you with exercises and techniques to make these tasks easier for you during your recovery period.

Teaching you exercises that your surgeon wants you to do before and after your surgery; teaching you the correct way to get in and out of a chair, bed and your car; and how to accomplish your bathing, dressing, meal preparation, etc. so you can manage with the least amount of assistance and most safety after your surgery.

Providing you with information regarding your rehabilitation before and after your surgery.

Determining which assistive devices you will need after your surgery such as a raised toilet seat, shower chair, walker, etc.

Familiarize you with Sanford Outpatient Rehabilitation and the staff that may be working with you after your hospitalization.

This class will immediately follow the Pre-Operative Teaching Session, which is held in the NORTH Center.

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY OBTAINED A WALKER, PLEASE BRING IT WITH YOU TO THIS SESSION SO THE THERAPISTS CAN BE SURE IT IS ADJUSTED PROPERLY TO YOUR HEIGHT.