|
A New Lease on Life for Knees and Hips
In the early 1960s, someone suffering from osteoarthritis had to live with
the pain of degenerating knees and hips. Today, joint replacement surgery is
relatively common thanks to the availability of modern materials and advanced
surgical techniques. It can result in pain relief and improved quality of life.
Knee and hip replacement surgeries are a last-stage treatment option for those
individuals who have not obtained relief from other pain management treatments,
such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and nutritional supplements.
The operations allow these individuals to maintain their functional ability
and participate in everyday activities.
Hip Replacement Surgery
 A major advance in hip replacement surgery has been the introduction of ceramic
materials in recent years. These new implants wear much longer than metal/polyethylene
implants.
 With traditional hip replacement surgeries, some of the components may wear
out with time. While long-term research is not yet available, the latest studies
indicate that the ceramic components introduced in recent years last much longer
than metal/polyethylene components.
Another advance in hip replacement surgery in recent
years has been the reduction in the size of the incision,
which reduces trauma to the patient. For many, but not
all patients, an eight- to 10-inch incision is now a thing
of the past. Many orthopedic surgeons are now using
minimal incisions approximately three inches long.
This means a faster recovery time. Patients who undergo hip and knee replacement
surgery at Saint Francis typically spend three days in the hospital. Rehabilitation
begins the day following the operation.
Knee Replacement Surgery
  For some patients undergoing knee replacement surgery, rehabilitation may
begin even before the operation. For example, an aquatic preoperative conditioning
program may be prescribed, because water is an ideal environment for patients
preparing for joint replacement surgery.
For a referral to a Saint Francis orthopedic surgeon, call HealthConnect toll
free at 1-877 ST FRANCIS (1-877-783-7262).
 Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, in collaboration with the Department
of Orthopedic Surgery, has established The Joint Connection to prepare patients
for joint replacement surgery and to help make their recovery faster and
easier.
Education is a key component of the program, which includes periodic public
seminars, led by an orthopedic nurse, that offer practical tips on controlling
hip and knee pain.
There is also extensive educational support for patients scheduled to undergo
joint replacement surgery. An orientation is held every Tuesday at 9:30 am,
conducted by a nurse, physical therapist and case manager, that teaches patients
about their operations. It is recommended that patients participate in the
orientation about two weeks before their surgery. Personalized notebooks
contain daily Knee Knotes� and Hip Tips,� which
explain what patients can expect each day as they recover from surgery. Patients
are encouraged to bring a friend or relative with them to the orientation,
who will act as a coach� after the surgical procedure. Following
surgery, patients work together in daily group physical therapy sessions, ideally with the participation of their coach from home, to regain functional ability.
To register for a seminar or for more information on The Joint Connection,
call toll free 1-877 ST FRANCIS (1-877-783-7262).
| 
