The Roper St. Francis Joint Replacement Center recognizes that the patient's role in achieving a positive outcome is as important as the surgeon's, therefore patients are educated about what happens before, during and after the joint replacement procedure. While in our Center the patient will become part of what we refer to as "Joint Camp." The name comes in part from the sense many patients feel of shared experiences with fellow patients as they progress through their hospital stay.

Before Surgery:
In our pre-op classes patients are given a patient notebook with information that explains what to do before surgery, what to expect during their hospital stay and how to care for themselves when they are discharged. It includes instructions for strength-building exercises to do before and after surgery, post-operative precautions, as well as what patients can expect from the new joint.

During:
Inpatient rehabilitation plays a vital role in a patient's full recovery and begins the day following surgery. Almost all of our patients are discharged directly to home. Occasionally, a patient may need to make further progress before going home. The patient's physical therapist, doctor and nurse will discuss if further rehab is necessary and if the patient should be transferred to a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility. Further rehab focuses on getting the patient back into their home environment.

After:
Generally the patient is discharged on the third day following surgery. The patient notebook includes instructions for strengthening exercises and other information needed for a safe and successful outcome.