Community Health Network

Joint replacement surgery

Planning for surgery

The Center for Joint Health at Community provides an educational program to help patients and families prepare for hip or knee joint replacement surgery. Our goal is to answer every question and concern for each phase of the program. Patients will be well-informed and know what to expect when they arrive at the hospital for surgery. Each patient receives a hip or knee guidebook that contains a preparation checklist.
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Patients participate in one pre-operative (pre-op) class two to three weeks before their scheduled surgery. The class educates patients on how the joint works, how to prepare for surgery, and what to expect during the hospital stay and their recovery at home.

During your stay

Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery and starts the morning after surgery. Patients are out of their hospital gowns and in comfortable casual clothing in preparation for the first group physical therapy session.

Joint Adventure rehabilitation

Center for Joint Health hip or knee joint replacement patients are healthy. These hip or knee joint replacement patients participate in a group physical therapy rehabilitation environment called Joint Adventure. The patients, their ‘coaches,’ and Center for Joint Health staff work together in a positive, upbeat, and healing environment during recovery. Patients benefit from the motivation provided by their coach, the center's staff and through the support and shared experiences of other joint replacement patients.

Group lunches are held on the unit where patients, coaches and staff can eat in a relaxing atmosphere. This is an opportunity for patients to develop special bonds and friendships.

Returning home

Patients normally go home on the third day after surgery, when they are confident with their new mobility and are well on the way to recovery. The hip or knee joint replacement patient guidebook outlines strength-building exercises to do at home, and the patient’s ‘coach’ is trained to provide continued support during this phase of the recovery process.