Joint replacement surgery has come a long way in recent years. Thanks to advances in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and pain management, many patients can now safely have joint replacement surgery and return home the very same day. For the right candidates, outpatient joint replacement offers a smoother recovery, less pain, and high patient satisfaction.
What Types of Joint Replacement Can Be Performed Outpatient?
Several common joint replacement surgeries can be performed in an outpatient setting, including total knee replacement, total hip replacement, and partial knee replacement. These procedures are carefully planned to ensure patients can recover safely at home.
The Benefits of Outpatient Joint Replacement
One of the most significant advantages of outpatient joint replacement is the ability to recover at home. Many patients find that healing in a familiar environment helps them feel more relaxed and confident during recovery. Pain levels are often lower as well, thanks to modern pain control methods and minimally invasive surgical approaches.
Surgeries are typically performed using advanced techniques, such as the anterior approach for hip replacement, which avoids cutting major muscles. This can lead to less postoperative pain, improved mobility, and a faster return to daily activities.
“Outpatient joint replacement allows us to provide the same high-quality surgery while giving patients the comfort of recovering in their own homes,” says Gautham Gondi, MD, joint replacement specialist with Lexington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. “With minimally invasive techniques, we’re able to reduce tissue disruption, which often means less pain and a quicker recovery for our patients.”
Who Is a Candidate for Outpatient Joint Replacement?
Not every patient is a candidate for outpatient joint replacement. Surgeons carefully select healthier patients who are less likely to experience complications. This thoughtful selection helps reduce the risk of infection and other postoperative issues, making same-day discharge safer and more successful.
Managing Pain at Home After Surgery
Pain management after outpatient joint replacement is carefully planned before patients ever leave the hospital. Most patients do well with oral multimodal pain management, which combines different types of medications to control pain effectively. This typically includes an anti-inflammatory medication, a short course of narcotic pain medicine, and long-acting local anesthetics used during surgery to provide extended pain relief.
What Patients Should Know Before Choosing Outpatient Surgery
Having support at home is a key part of a successful outpatient joint replacement. Patients will need help with daily activities during the early recovery period, especially in the first few days after surgery.
Studies also show that patients who undergo outpatient total joint replacement report high levels of satisfaction with their experience. Recovering at home, combined with effective pain control and personalized care, often leads to a positive overall outcome.
“For the right patient with the right support system, outpatient joint replacement can be an excellent option with very high satisfaction,” Dr. Gondi says.
Gautham Gondi, MD, Lexington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
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