New Total Joint Replacement Program Reduces Recovery Time

For over a year, 66-year-old Chuck Lathrop suffered with excruciating pain in his left leg. He couldn't play golf, stand or walk for long periods of time. After a visit to the doctor, he discovered that osteoarthritis was causing deterioration of his hip bone. And it would only get worse.

Lathrop had undergone total knee replacement surgery on both knees just one year earlier and was now facing total hip replacement. He entered the new Diagnostic Center for Joint Replacement program because it is designed to return patents to a normal, active lifestyle as quickly as possible.

The center, located at Diagnostic Center Hospital, offers a unique approach to total joint replacement that utilizes a group setting during recovery and rehabilitation. Patients interact with each other during many activities including physical therapy and meals.

"Everything was tailor made for joint replacement," says Lathrop. "We weren't sick, but recovering from surgery. We all had a common problem and received specialized care from a specialized staff. That was important."

Lathrop is one of an estimated 20.7 million Americans, mostly over the age of 45, who suffer from osteoarthritis. One of over 100 diseases that affect the joints, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and most frequently occurs in weight-bearing joints, such as the hip and knee. Symptoms include pain, stiffness and lack of mobility.

Dr. Leland A. Winston, Lathrop's orthopedic surgeon, has performed total joint replacement surgery for 20 years. He says this program gives each patient a similar experience. They are educated and understand the process. The staff understands the process and works with the patients to achieve a better result.

Education is a big component of the program. Prior to surgery, patients watch a video tape, visit the hospital and unit and meet the physical therapists and anesthesiologist. This way patients know what to expect and are less afraid of the surgery.

"This is a better way to help total joint patients recover and leave the hospital more quickly," says Winston. "These patients recover quicker than those receiving traditional treatment and they're happier because they know what's going to happen."

Patients typically have surgery on a Monday. Group physical therapy begins Tuesday afternoon and continues twice daily until discharge on Thursday. Although not mandatory, family members are encouraged to serve as coaches during the sessions.

Patients have private rooms and are served special meals including a picnic and celebratory gourmet dinner prior to discharge. Other amenities include a complimentary shampoo and haircut.

Lathrop says that the day after surgery he experienced some soreness, but the pain was gone. He used a walker at the time of discharge and seven days after the surgery progressed to a cane. The next day he returned to work and just 13 days after surgery went to the putting green. Two days later he walked on his own. He played a full 18 holes 38 days after surgery.

"I'm completely pain free and its wonderful," said Lathrop. Before the surgery I couldn't do things someone my age in good health can do. Now I can and I feel great."

Winston says he's seen a lot of advances in prostheses and technique over the years and this program is the biggest advance in overall recovery that he's seen in total joint replacement.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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