Inpatient Joint Reconstruction Program

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Inpatient Joint Reconstruction Program
Greenwich Hospital provides an innovative joint replacement program that has helped thousands of people regain a more active lifestyle. Patients enjoy personalized care that begins with the first visit to the doctor and continues until they are well on their way to recovery.

The success of joint reconstruction depends in part on the skills and experience of the physicians who evaluate patients and perform the surgery. Greenwich Hospital’s orthopedic surgeons are board certified and have trained at the top medical centers in the U.S. They have years of experience and specialization in joint replacement and have published in leading medical journals and textbooks, held leadership positions in national orthopedic organizations and taught at leading medical institutions. Using state-of-the-art, proven techniques, these physicians bring a high rate of successful outcomes to their patients. Each focuses on a particular specialty, which allows them to be on the forefront of new techniques. Their patients benefit from knowledge and expertise usually found only at large medical centers – without having to travel great distances.

Evaluation and Diagnosis
Before any decision about treatment is made, the patient will undergo a comprehensive evaluation conducted by an orthopedic surgeon at the doctor's office. This is a chance for the patient to share how the condition has impacted his or her life.

The evaluation begins with a detailed medical history, followed by a physical exam. Often, diagnostic tests such as X-rays are needed to provide information about the cause of joint pain. Arthritis is a common culprit, but other conditions also can trigger pain or joint deterioration. Finally, the orthopedic surgeon will review all findings and test results with the patient and answer any questions the patient might have.

How the condition will be treated depends on:

• The degree of pain the patient is experiencing
• How the disability is affecting the patient's daily life
• The cause and severity of the disease or condition

Treatment may include medication, physical therapy, a partial joint replacement or a total joint replacement. Greenwich Hospital orthopedic surgeons also perform surgery on patients who have had failed previous surgeries.

Deciding on Surgery
Because joint replacement is usually elective, patients can schedule their surgery at their convenience and also have plenty of time to prepare. Becoming familiar with the procedure and getting to know the surgery team will lessen any anxiety a patient might feel. Joint reconstruction surgery has proven to be one of the most cost effective ways to improve a patient’s quality of life.

Before Surgery
Patients can attend classes organized by Greenwich Hospital and taught by an orthopedic nurse educator. Patients will learn:

• How to prepare for surgery
• What the surgery will involve
• The best options for recovery

Patients are encouraged to ask questions to speed their own recovery. An educational video is provided to make it easy to review the information the patient just learned in the comfort of his/her own home, or to share the information with family members.

In addition, the surgeon's office will send the patient a questionnaire before his/her procedure. The information helps orthopedic social workers at Greenwich Hospital to begin planning for the patient's care after surgery – even before he/she comes to the hospital.

Finally, when the day of surgery arrives, the patient will be greeted at the hospital by the same friendly staff. The case manager coordinates the patient's care during the hospital stay, makes plans for the patient's care after discharge and will personally call the patient after he/she leaves the hospital to answer questions and help monitor his/her recovery. This type of extended care has earned the Greenwich Hospital orthopedic team high praise from their patients.

Meet the Orthopedic Team
Orthopedic patients at Greenwich Hospital will receive care from a highly skilled orthopedic team.

Orthopedic surgeons who performs patient admission assessments and the surgery examine the patient's progress every day and are on call 24 hours a day. Surgery takes place in state-of-the-art orthopedic surgery rooms.

Orthopedic nurses are specially trained to care for orthopedic patients. Many orthopedic nurses are involved in the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses and have received national orthopedic certification. All registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing assistants must complete a rigorous orthopedic training program, created in collaboration with physicians.

During surgery, surgeons are assisted by orthopedics nurses and dedicated orthopedic technicians. Skilled physician assistants provide surgical support and perform follow-up care in the hospital and back in the doctor's office.

An anesthesiologist, a physician who administers anesthesia and pain medication, monitors the patient during surgery. The anesthesiologist also makes arrangements for pain medications after surgery to keep the patient comfortable.

After surgery, physical therapists play an important role in recovery while the patient is still in the hospital and then on an outpatient basis. They help patients regain movement and teach them special techniques that help them get out of a bed, a chair or car and walk up and down stairs.

Occupational therapists teach patients how to use adaptive devices that make them more independent in performing tasks of daily living, such as getting dressed.

Social workers can help families make decisions about the type of care required after leaving the hospital. They can also help with emotional, financial, and family issues.

A home care coordinator - a nurse who works with patients and families - develops an appropriate plan of care to be delivered in the patient's home if indicated.

Respiratory therapists, pharmacists and dietitians round out the orthopedic team.

The Orthopedic Center on the second floor of Greenwich Hospital has a fully equipped satellite gymnasium, where patients receive physical therapy from our experienced physical therapy staff. The Center’s orthopedic technician assists in setting up continuous passive motor machines and other equipment.

After Surgery
Following surgery, patients with hip, knee or shoulder replacement spend several nights in the hospital. The orthopedic team continues to assess patient progress around the clock. Physical therapy may begin as early as the day of surgery.

Leaving the Hospital
While some patients go home after surgery, others benefit from a stay in a rehabilitation hospital. Physical therapy also continues after discharge, either at a physical therapy center or in the home, and continues on an outpatient basis for several weeks following surgery. During this time, the patient will be seen by the orthopedic surgeon at regular intervals to monitor the patient's recovery and progress.

The education and planning that occurs before surgery, combined with expert hospital care and skilled follow-up treatment, will put the patient on the road to a healthy recovery and more active and comfortable lifestyle.

Read more about patient discharge in Patients & Visitors/When You Leave.