These days, there are plenty of businesses that offer same-day service, from the dry cleaners to car repair shops to local plumbing contractors. In fact, these services are so common now, that we’re surprised — probably even disappointed — if things take longer than one day.
But what’s even more impressive and kind of incredible is that now, you can actually leave your house in the morning, undergo a total hip replacement procedure and be back in the comfort of your own home in time for dinner.
Overall, there are more than 500,000 total hip replacements performed in the U.S. each year.
“The reason patients choose joint replacement, including hip replacement, is because of pain that unacceptably limits daily activity, despite conservative treatment such as medication, therapy, injections, etc.,” said Burrel Gaddy, MD, Orthopedic Surgery, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission.
Just 20 or so years ago, patients would typically be kept in the hospital for up to a week after surgery, with full recovery taking six months to a year or even longer.
So how is this same-day, total hip replacement surgery possible?
"Numerous advances have made it possible for joint replacement surgery to be performed in the outpatient setting. Preoperative therapy optimizes the patient’s physical status and familiarizes the patient with exercises that will be performed postoperatively. And improvements in anesthesia limit postoperative problems, allowing immediate mobilization of the patient in the recovery room,” said Dr. Gaddy.
One other important factor is that today’s patients — especially younger patients — are not interested in being in the hospital longer than necessary and are insisting on immediate discharge.
In addition to returning to all the comforts of home sooner, the cost of the procedure is also considerably lowered because there is no hospital room expense or other related hospital charges.
Is Outpatient Hip Replacement Appropriate for Everyone?
While most hip replacement patients share many of the same conditions, outpatient hip replacement surgery may not be right for everyone.
“Proper patient selection is important to the success of outpatient joint replacement. Patient health and medical coexisting conditions are the main considerations to determine whether the patient is a candidate for discharge the same day of surgery. Finally, a supportive family/friend network is critical, as the patients will require assistance for a few days,” said Dr. Gaddy.
Typically, it takes patients several weeks to recover from the pain of a hip replacement surgery and start working on your strengthening, mobility, and movement. The bulk of the recovery is in the first few months, and you continue working on your strength, your endurance, and your balance for the first year after surgery. With hip replacements, it takes about a month to turn that first corner.
Of course, for hip replacement patients who choose the outpatient option, self-motivation plays a crucial role in their recovery, with a commitment and a plan to strictly adhere to doctor’s post-surgery instructions.
Outpatient Joint Replacement Isn’t Limited to Just Hips
The number of outpatient joint replacement procedures has continued to increase, as hip, knee and shoulder replacement have become more common and more refined. In fact, projections are that in the next couple of years, at least half of all joint replacements will be performed on an outpatient basis.
“All joint replacements can be performed in the outpatient setting. And if patients are interested, I would encourage them to speak with their treating physician regarding that option,” said Dr. Gaddy.
Learn more about orthopedic care at AdventHealth.
