Orthopedics
The St. Mary-Corwin Hospital's Joint Replacement Center is designed to help you live a life free of joint pain. Our orthopedic surgeons offer innovative joint replacement and joint reconstruction procedures.
Each patient is unique. You play a key role in your successful recovery and our goal is to involve you in every step.
Our unique program is designed to encourage the best outcomes getting you back to your active lifestyle as quickly as possible.
People experiencing joint pain due to arthritis, deformities, trauma or injury as well as failed past joint replacements will find that our joint replacement surgeons are highly experienced and are committed to helping each patient regain their active lifestyle.
Our Services
Patients undergoing joint replacement surgery at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital can be confident in knowing that all members of our staff and team, from pre-operative care through recovery, are trained specifically in orthopedics. They offer an unprecedented level of experience and understanding of the needs of joint replacement and joint reconstruction patients.
Team of experts
At St. Mary-Corwin Hospital's Joint Replacement Center we believe in a team approach when treating each patient.
The orthopedic surgeon is the skilled doctor who will perform the procedure to repair your damaged joint.
Much of your care will be provided by a nurse responsible for your daily care. Your nurse will assure orders given by your doctor are completed including medications and monitoring your vital signs. The nurse will act as your advocate throughout the course of treatment from surgery to discharge, answer questions, and coordinate your hospital care with other joint replacement team members.
Much of your personal care will be provided by a patient care technician. Your PCT will assist you with bathing, walking, and using the bathroom. They will also track your vital signs, and keep other members of the joint team of your needs and progress.
A physical therapist will guide you in the important work of returning you to your daily activities. They will develop a plan for exercises to help you regain strength and mobility as you strive to reach your peak level of functioning. They will assist you in the use of your walker and recliner chair to support proper exercise.
An occupational therapist will guide you in performing daily tasks such as bathing and dressing after your joint replacement surgery. They may demonstrate special equipment to use in your home after your surgery including shower benches, rails and raised toilets.
The anesthesiologist is a physician who administers medications during the surgery. These drugs may diminish pain and sedate patients during the procedure.
The case manager will coordinate your discharge plan as you transition home or to a facility with additional support.
In some situations, the physician may request the help of a Social Worker to arrange care when you leave the hospital.
A coach is a family member, friend or trained volunteer that has been designated to be by the patient's side from the pre-op process through the stay in the hospital and discharge. They will attend pre-op class, give support during exercise classes, and keep the patient focused on healing.
Sports medicine
Many orthopedic injuries can be caused through overuse of a joint during athletic activities, while others can be caused through sudden movement or added stress on a joint. While many injuries caused by sport activities can be common, not all of them are able to recover through R.I.C.E. alone (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation). Cases where an ongoing sports injury is left untreated can often lead to longer recovery and sometimes permanent damage.
There are both surgical and non-surgical options for treating sports injuries depending on the severity and damage. Non-surgical treatments include injections, medication and physical therapy. It is important that each injury be evaluated individually to build the best treatment plan possible.
Preoperative joint replacement class
At St. Mary-Corwin Hospital's Joint Replacement Center we believe education prior to surgery helps each patient with their recovery. We have created a special Pre-operative Class for patients scheduled for joint surgery. Held once a week, patients should attend this one month prior to surgery. It is only necessary to attend one class. Attendance at this class is required prior to joint surgery. At the class patients will meet members of the joint team who can answer any questions.
We recommend that each patient bring a family member or friend to the class. This person will act as the patient's coach. We will review the role of the coach during the class.
During the class we cover important information including:
- What to expect at the pre-op appointment and on the day of surgery.
- The post-op routine on the Orthopedic Unit.
- The role of the "coach"/caregiver.
- Breathing exercises.
- Pre-op exercises.
- Nutrition for wound healing.
- Activity/therapy expectations and recommendations post-op.
- Assistance devices and joint protection.
- Discharge planning, obtaining equipment, and post-hospital care.
For more information about our Joint Replacement Center, contact us.
Phone: 719-557-5622
