Knee and hip replacements are some of the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries in the US. They are done to relieve pain and stiffness caused by arthritis or injury. Due to significant advances in surgical procedures, pain management techniques, anesthesia and patient engagement, many knee and hip replacements today can be performed as outpatient procedures.
Potential benefits of outpatient hip and knee surgery
Besides being able to get back on your feet on the same day as the surgery, some of the other potential benefits include:
- Shorter stay in a healthcare facility
- Improved satisfaction with the experience
- Potentially lower risk of hospital acquired infection
- Ability to recover in the comfort of your own home
Outpatient hip and knee replacement is typically done through small incisions so patients also reap the benefits of minimally invasive surgery:
- Smaller surgical incision
- Less scarring
- Faster healing
- Less blood loss
- Minimal damage to healthy tissues
- Better joint support provided by tendons and ligaments
- Less downtime
- Faster return to activities of daily living
Are you a candidate for outpatient hip and knee replacement surgery?
To be a candidate for outpatient hip and knee replacement surgery, you should have good overall health. Generally, younger patients are better candidates for the procedure, but age is not as important a criterion as being healthy and without any comorbid conditions such as heart disease, blood pressure, or diabetes. A person in their 70s with good health would probably do just as well as a person in their 50s. The first step in the processes is to work with your surgeon and primary care physician to determine if you are a candidate for outpatient joint replacement.
The next step is to prepare for outpatient surgery. All candidates should also have a positive mental attitude and demonstrate a commitment to follow all the post-operative instructions. This is a necessary factor in ensuring success of the surgery. It all starts before surgery, with understanding the procedure, setting realistic expectations, preparing yourself and your environment, and finally working with your surgeon to ensure you have the appropriate resources for a successful recovery.
Following the surgery, you will be evaluated to see if you are doing well. Once your pain is controlled and you are safely able to walk, most patients will be discharged home.
We are pleased to offer our hip and knee patients the option for outpatient surgery and the ability to recover in the comfort of your own home. Understand that not every patient is a candidate for outpatient joint replacement, but if you are, and you believe this is the right approach for you, we would be happy to discuss the details with you.
