You might assume that a surgery as extensive as a joint replacement would require a hospital stay of at least a few days. In reality, this isn’t always the case.
Thanks to advancements in surgical techniques and technology, outpatient joint replacements offer considerable benefits compared to inpatient surgeries of the same kind.
Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants is located in Merrillville, Indiana, but we are pleased to serve the wider Northwest Indiana area including Munster, Crown Point, St. John, and Dyer. We offer outpatient joint replacements to treat advanced osteoarthritis or for injuries and infections that have not improved with conservative care.
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, John Pomponi, DO, routinely performs joint replacements on an outpatient basis.
If you’re considering joint replacement surgery for a hip, knee, or shoulder, here’s what you can anticipate if you opt for outpatient surgery.
After surgery, we keep you for a brief observation period, especially if you’re going home later that same day. We perform the surgery with great precision in order to preserve the muscles around the joint so they don’t need any extra time to heal.
Have a support system at home. Enlist friends, roommates, spouses, or other people you trust to assist you with any aftercare you need as well as any housework and other help around the house.
Let’s face it: Being in a hospital isn’t comfortable. When you’re at home for your recovery, you can relax in your own bed and enjoy all the amenities that home has to offer. This contributes to a faster return to your typical day-to-day activities.
You might be able to sleep better, there won’t be so many unusual noises, and you’ll have a greater opportunity to get some genuine rest.
As long as you go through physical therapy and rehabilitation after an outpatient joint replacement surgery, your chances of any complications are minimal, and you can expect years or even decades of use from your new joint.
On average, prosthetic joints last for 10-15 years or longer without wearing out.
Most otherwise healthy adults who need joint replacement surgery benefit by going home the same day. During the planning process for your surgery, we study your medical history and consider all medications you take before recommending outpatient joint replacement.
You may need to stay in a hospital if you:
Inpatient surgery is better in these cases because we need to observe you during the first phases of recovery. Although you may prefer to be at home, a short hospital stay is for your safety.
Any successful joint replacement surgery happens thanks to skilled surgeons and a dedicated rehabilitation program. To learn about what to expect with outpatient joint replacement surgery, schedule an appointment at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants today. Give us a call or use our online booking system.
