Is Same-Day Joint Replacement For Me?

Mark Stanforth had been down this road before. Years ago, after enduring growing discomfort in his left hip, he had it surgically replaced. The successful hip replacement helped Stanforth maintain his busy veterinary practice. So, several years later, when the right hip started acting up and the pain and interruptions to his lifestyle became intolerable, he didn't hesitate to think about a second hip replacement.

"The discomfort just got to be too much of a distraction," the Kokomo resident said. "I was having a lot of discomfort while helping out my son-in-law on his family farm. I couldn't sit in a boat while fishing for any period of time without pain. I was getting tired of leaning against the wall to put on my pants."

Stanforth had his second total hip replacement – this time a same-day joint replacement procedure – in December 2018.

His outcome: Within a few months after his surgery, and having diligently followed his prescribed regimen of physical therapy, he was back to full speed ahead. Stanforth has resumed his prolific swimming schedule, is back to managing the farm chores, hangs with the grandkids and still enjoys doing surgery part-time at the vet practice.

"I'm feeling great and enjoying activities with friends and family pain-free," he said.

Stanforth credits the orthopedics team at Franciscan Health Center for Hip & Knee Surgery for his successful outcome. Teamwork among a patient's caregivers is always important, but it was essential in this case because Mark had his procedure and returned home on the same day.

What Is Same-Day Joint Replacement?

Same-day joint replacement allows patients to return home for recovery on the day of their hip or knee replacement. Same-day joint replacement is increasing in popularity as it has proven to be every bit as safe, and with equally positive outcomes.

It used to be you'd spend a week in the hospital after knee replacement. Like anything, there's adaptations and improvements in pain control, patient education, what is done before and after surgery with the patient and what the patient does themselves. And that’s been the biggest driver of being able to go home the same day.

Is Same-Day Total Joint Replacement Right for Me?

Here are some factors to help determine whether you might be a good candidate for same-day total joint replacement.

• You are in relatively good health.
• You live within approximately one hour's travel of your care team.
• You have caregiver support and can easily move about at home. (In Mark Stanforth’s case, his wife, Madelyn, played numerous roles including assisting in post-op care and helping him with his exercises.)
• Your surgeon/care team offers specialized education to prepare both the patient and the healthcare partner on the upcoming procedure.

How Do I Prepare For Same-Day Joint Replacement?

The foundation of successful same-day joint replacement lies in a coordinated effort by a disciplined team of professionals working with patients and caregivers. The process emphasizes multiple touch points during pre-op, post-op, home health and physical therapy. This includes:

• Prehab, or physical therapy before surgery to strengthen major muscle groups, quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteus, and improve balance
• Getting the house prepared to prevent falls
• Discuss pain medications

With education and support at home, many people are experiencing same-day hip replacements and knee replacements and returning home to recover, with good results.