Online Guide to
Outpatient Joint Replacement
Our world-class joint replacement doctors at The Bone & Joint Center, Albany County's most preferred orthopaedic practice, are proud to offer outpatient joint procedures to the Capital Region community through our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery centers. These procedures allow you to go home usually on the same day as surgery for a comfortable recovery at home.
Our dedicated joint surgeons are each specialty-trained in joint replacement and musculoskeletal care. Our team has vast experience and expertise in the reconstruction of all major joints from the shoulder to the ankle, and they prioritize your care by creating individualized treatment plans for the best outcomes. Our joint replacement specialists are here for you every step of the way, from your initial consultation through recovery, to help relieve your joint pain and make you stronger.
Our highly trained surgeons are at the forefront of joint replacement care, and they utilize the latest and most effective minimally invasive techniques to offer a range of same-day, outpatient procedures, including:
- Ankle replacement
- Anterior hip replacement
- Robotic-assisted joint replacement
- Total hip replacement
- Total knee replacement
- Total shoulder replacement
Our goal at The Bone & Joint Center is for you to experience orthopaedic excellence in outpatient joint surgery, guided by our compassionate and trusted experts.
Our Outpatient Joint Replacement Experts
The outpatient joint replacement surgeons at The Bone & Joint Center are committed to providing the highest quality of care to each patient. With years of experience and extensive backgrounds in performing joint replacement surgery, our surgeons maintain leading protocols in patient-focused care and perform the most efficient and proven outpatient joint procedures for your success. They are trained to provide solutions for your joint pain, and they take pride in helping you return to the activities and lifestyle you love.
Capital Region Ambulatory Surgery Center
1367 Washington Avenue, Suite 401
Albany, NY 12206
Phone: (518) 438-7638
Center for Advanced Ambulatory Surgery
4 Medical Park Drive
Malta, NY 12020
Phone: (518) 618-0743
Benefits of Outpatient Joint Replacement
The outpatient joint replacement procedures our surgeons provide at our surgery centers, from ankle replacement to total shoulder, hip, knee, and anterior hip replacement, provide our patients with the following benefits:
Same-Day Discharge: For most patients, recovery begins at home on the same day as surgery.
Lower Costs: Outpatient procedures may be more affordable than traditional joint replacement in a hospital.
Lower Risk of Infection: Ambulatory surgery centers provide a controlled environment, which also aids recovery.
Comfort and Convenience: Recover at home in a familiar setting.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Active Life: You're an active person generally, but joint pain is holding you back.
Independent Mobility: Ideally before surgery, you are able to walk independently or with minimal help.
Overall Health: You're in good overall health and able to undergo surgery and physical therapy afterward.
Home Support: You have family or friends to help you at home.
Infection-Free Past: You have no history of serious infections.
What to Expect
Deciding to pursue outpatient joint replacement is a big step! To ensure a smooth surgery and recovery at home, here are some proactive things you can do to prepare for an upcoming procedure.
Preparation
- Work with your doctor and ask questions to understand what your surgery entails, including potential risks and expectations for recovery. Plan to attend educational sessions recommended by your doctor.
- Ensure you have a comfortable and safe recovery space. Install grab bars in the bathroom, remove loose rugs, and make sure furniture is easy to navigate with any assistive device. Stock up on ice packs, pain medication, and other supplies as directed by your doctor.
- It is very important to have reliable help at home for the first few days post-surgery. Family members, friends, or a home healthcare professional are all possible options. Arrange their assistance and discuss your needs with them beforehand.
Prehabilitation
- Optimize your health: If you smoke, try to quit well before surgery to improve healing and reduce your risk of infection. Let your doctor know of any preexisting medical conditions to ensure they are well-controlled.
- Strengthen your body: For a smoother recovery, incorporate prehabilitation exercises for improved strength and flexibility. Your doctor or physical therapist can help develop a custom prehab program for you.
Compared to traditional surgery, outpatient joint replacement offers a more convenient and faster recovery. Below is a general overview of what to expect on the day of the procedure:
- Arrival and preparation: When you arrive at the surgery center, you'll meet your care team. Nurses will begin your surgical preparation, checking your vital signs and administering medications.
- Anesthesia: You may receive regional anesthesia, which works to block nerves to a specific region in the body, numbing the area around the joint, as well as medication that puts you in a light sleep. General anesthesia, which causes temporary unconsciousness, may be used in some cases.
- The surgery: Using minimally invasive techniques, your surgeon will make an incision to access the joint. After removing damaged bone or cartilage, your surgeon will place the artificial implant. The incision will then be closed with sutures or staples, with the procedure typically lasting a few hours.
- Recovery and discharge: After you are moved to recovery, you'll be monitored for stability and pain management. Once you meet certain criteria, such as walking safely with assistance, you'll be discharged to go home later the same day.
Please note that this is a general overview. Your doctor will discuss the specifics of your surgery beforehand, including any possible variations.
While recovering from outpatient joint replacement at home, rest and pain management will be your priority. Here's what you can expect:
- Pain management: Your doctor will prescribe medication for you to manage your pain. It is important to follow the prescribed medication schedule and ice the incision site to remain comfortable. As you regain your mobility and strength, physical therapy will also play a major role in pain management.
- Physical therapy: Shortly after your surgery, a physical therapist will visit and guide you through various exercises to strengthen the muscles around your new joint, which will gradually increase in complexity with your progress. Regular physical therapy sessions are essential for restoring range of motion, flexibility, and overall joint function.
- Incision care: Follow your doctor's specific instructions on caring for your incision site, and be sure to keep it clean and dry. Your doctor will provide guidance on when it's safe to bathe or shower.
- Gradual return to activity: While some immediate rest is necessary, it's important to practice controlled movement to prevent stiffness. You'll likely need to use walking aids such as a walker or cane at first. With guidance from your physical therapist, you'll gradually increase weight-bearing and return to your daily activities.
Don't forget that recovery is a journey. Celebrate your progress and practice patience with yourself. Don't hesitate to contact your doctor if you experience excessive pain, redness, fever, or any other concerning symptoms.
A key part of recovery after your outpatient joint replacement surgery is regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility. Physical therapy plays an important role in this process, and here's what to expect:
- A physical therapist will visit you within a day or two to start your recovery journey. They’ll assess your pain and mobility and guide you through gentle exercises to reduce stiffness and improve blood flow.
- Your physical therapist will create a personalized rehabilitation plan just for you. This plan will gradually increase in difficulty as you get stronger and more confident. You'll work on stretches and strengthening exercises and practice daily activities with assistive devices like canes or walkers.
- Your therapist will help you regain independence by teaching you exercises that mimic real-life activities, like getting up from a chair, reaching for objects, or climbing stairs.
- Physical therapy typically lasts several weeks or months. As you progress, sessions will become less frequent, but your therapist will be available to answer questions and address concerns.
Communication with your physical therapist is key. It's important to communicate with your therapist about any pain or discomfort you experience during exercises. They can adjust your program to ensure a safe and effective recovery.
While recovering at home from outpatient joint replacement, you will need to make some adjustments to your daily routine and living environment. Here's what you can expect:
- Temporary limitations: At first, you'll likely need to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. Your doctor and physical therapist will provide guidelines on activities to avoid and weight-bearing restrictions.
- Home modifications: Making your home more supportive and safer can significantly aid recovery. This may involve removing throw rugs, installing grab bars in the bathroom, or elevating your toilet seat. Consider obtaining assistive devices like long-handled reachers/grabbers to help with some of your everyday tasks.
- Focus on self-care: Focus on getting enough rest as well as nutritious meals to support healing. Ask others for help with household chores, and save your energy for physical therapy.
- Gradual return to normalcy: As you get stronger and your mobility improves, you can gradually return to your favorite activities. This may include light exercise, social outings, or hobbies. Remember to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard.
Remember that throughout your recovery journey, your doctor and physical therapist are there to support you. Don't wait to contact them with any questions or concerns.
Exceptional Care, Superior Outcomes
The joint replacement surgeons at The Bone & Joint Center are recognized experts in the Capital Region, and they proudly perform same-day, outpatient joint surgery at our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery centers. The Capital Region Ambulatory Surgery Center in Albany and the Center for Advanced Ambulatory Surgery in Malta are accredited facilities equipped with the latest technology and caring staff, offering top-tier care in a modern, comfortable environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Outpatient joint replacement, or same-day joint replacement, is a surgical procedure, typically of the hip or knee, where a damaged joint, is replaced with an artificial implant. Outpatient joint replacement allows you to go home the same day after surgery, unlike traditional joint replacement.
Same-day joint replacement offers several benefits, such as a faster recovery in your own home environment, a quicker return to daily activities, and a potentially lower infection risk.
Certain medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be stopped before surgery. Discuss this with your doctor well in advance of your procedure.
You may be advised to remove clutter and throw rugs from walkways to prevent falls. Stock up on ice packs, pain medication, and other supplies for your recovery.
Depending on your needs, you will be given regional or general anesthesia, and you may also have other medication through an IV. The procedure itself usually takes a few hours.
Pain management is a priority after surgery. To keep you comfortable, you will receive medication before, during, and after the surgery.
After reaching specific recovery goals, like walking safely with assistance, you will be discharged to go home the same day.
Your physical therapist will create a custom plan for exercise progression and weight-bearing.
Physical therapy is crucial for regaining strength, mobility, and flexibility in your new joint. Therapy usually starts within a few days of outpatient surgery.
Recovery can take several months, but you should see significant improvement in pain levels and mobility within weeks.
Studies show outpatient joint replacement is safe and effective for patients who meet certain criteria. Your doctor will talk with you about any potential risks.
Most people are able to regain a high level of function after outpatient joint replacement. Discuss activity limitations and guidelines with your doctor.
From Our Patients
Additional Resources
For more information on joint replacement experts, treatments, and more, please see the resources at the institutions linked below.