The Total Joint Program consists of preoperative education, an individual inpatient guide to recovery, assistance in discharge planning, and monitoring of recovery and progress at home.

Preoperative Class
This class, led by a nurse and physical or occupational therapist, prepares patients for surgery by describing what they can expect during surgery and throughout their hospital stay. Components of physical and occupational therapy are discussed along with options following discharge. Family members or friends who will care for patients after discharge are welcome to attend the class.

The Surgery Experience
The following are examples of what a patient might experience before, during and after hip or knee replacement surgery.

Preadmission Visit
During the preadmission visit, a clinical representative draws blood, takes a urine sample, takes a chest x-ray and performs an EKG. The patient then meets with the anesthesiologist and signs any necessary consent forms. At the end of the visit a nurse reviews instructions and tells the patient where and when to report on the morning of surgery.

Day of Surgery
In the recovery room, nurses monitor vital signs and determine the need for pain medication. Monitoring continues when the patient returns to his or her room. The patient may have an intravenous (IV) tube in one arm, as well as a catheter inserted for urination.

The patient must rest in bed for several hours and will be given something to eat and drink when he or she feels ready. The patient also begins simple breathing and ankle exercises.

Post Surgery: Day One
The patient begins physical and occupational therapy. The IV is discontinued and the patient begins to take care of his or her own physical needs. Breathing and ankle exercises are continued.

Post Surgery: Day Two
The patient begins practicing self-care skills, including dressing and moving to a toilet or bathtub. The urinary catheter is removed. Breathing and ankle exercises are continued.

Post Surgery: Day Three
The patient walks 78 to 80 feet with a walker and continues practicing self-care skills. Plans for the patient's discharge begin and the need for further care in a rehabilitation unit or skilled nursing facility is assessed.

Post Surgery: Day Four
The patient practices climbing stairs. Plans for home care are discussed if the patient is returning home. If further rehabilitation is necessary, the patient is transferred to a rehabilitation unit or skilled nursing facility.

Home/Recovery
The patient may continue rehabilitation with a home health physical and/or occupational therapist. Therapy may also continue at an outpatient facility. Within three to five days after discharge, a nurse from the EJGH Call Center telephones the patient to check on progress, ensure the patient has the correct medications, and answer any questions the patient may have.

A nursing representative will call the patient at six and twelve months to help assess the patient's quality of life after surgery.

Wellness Programs
The programs will begin the 1st week of June and will consist of one class per week for a total of 4 classes a month. The programs are designed to provide education on the importance of strength, cardiovascular, balance, range of motion, and functional exercise. These wellness options will help you regain the independence and mobility that hip or knee joint replacement procedures can provide.

After completing the physical rehabilitation process and completing your physical assessment, the exercise physiologist will recommend one of the two exercise programs available to you:

The Mobility Aquatics Program provides exercise in a warm water pool to help continue the progression of joint strength and balance.

• The program consists of balance and stability activity, strength activity, and muscle endurance exercise to promote longevity of the prosthesis.
• This class is scheduled on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.

The Mobility Land-Based Program focuses on strength, balance, functional, flexibility, and aerobic activity specifically for the knee and hip joint.

• Exercises include weight bearing and non-weight bearing activity and will be performed using elastic bands, stability trainers, and exercise balls.
• This class is scheduled on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m.

Prior to beginning the Total Joint Wellness Program the following must be completed:

• 45 minute physical assessment with an exercise physiologist, schedule below
• Disease Management Membership Application Form
• Release of Liability Form
• Health History Questionnaire
• Physician Release Form

If you are interested in participating in one of these Total Joint Mobility Programs, please call (504) 457-3750 to speak with Aimee Berthelot to schedule your assessment.