Center for Joint Success

Orthopedic care at Sanford USD Medical Center has taken steps in providing service to patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery. The Center for Joint Success is a specialized program in the hospital that is dedicated to the care of total knee and total hip replacement patients. It is a program where patients come together to receive total joint replacements in an environment that emphasizes wellness, socialization and maximizes patient recovery efforts.

The Center for Joint Success places great emphasis on patient education through education sessions and written materials, family involvement, positive reinforcement and group support of the patients. 
 

"The education class for the Center for Joint Success that was provided prior to my hip replacement surgery was crucial in my recovery process!" David S. of Luverne, MN

What is a Total Joint Replacement?

Total joint replacment is a surgical procedure that is done to relieve pain and maintain or increase motion in a damaged or diseased joint.

Hip replacement: the worn ball and socket of the hip joint are removed and replaced with a prosthesis (artificial hip joint) that is similar to the once normal ball and socket it replaces.

Knee replacement: the knee itself is not replaced; an artificial substitute for the cartilage is inserted on the ends of the bone. A metal alloy is used on the femur and a plastic spacer on the tibia and kneecap. This creates a new smooth cushion and a joint that does not hurt with movement.

The "Total Joint Team" has carefully developed a joint replacement plan of care. This means that the orthopedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, nutritionists and representatives from the hospital services all work together to provide quality medical care. A Case Manager will develop an individual plan of care for each patient. The Center for Joint Success is designed to ensure the patient receives coordinated clinical management offering training and education prior to surgery.

Center for Joint Success Program Overview
Approximately four (4) weeks prior to surgery the Case Manager will provide detailed information about total knee or hip replacement surgery. This session will include a discussion about: 

Overview of the total joint program. 

• What to expect in the hospital after surgery. 
• Physical and Occupational Therapy – includes evaluation of strength and mobility, teaching exercises that the surgeon wants completed prior to surgery, and determining which assistive devices will be needed after surgery. 
• Home instructions and restrictions following surgery. 
• Social Work consultation – needs addressed are durable medical equipment, home health care, outpatient therapy, assistance in home, and transportation. 
• Discharge planning. 
• A pharmacist will want to obtain a medication and allergy history and review current medication. We have found that better patient understanding reduces hospital stay because patients can participate more actively in their own care. 
• Please bring a "Coach" to the educational session. The Center for Joint Success encourages and supports the use of a “coach” for all total joint patients. Having someone to help patients physically, mentally and emotionally through a surgical experience is very valuable and helps to promote a successful recovery.

We believe that education plays a key role in the recovery process — our goal is to educate you through each step of your treatment and return patients to their normal activities as soon as possible.


For more information about the Center for Joint Success, please call 605-328-5191 or email.