While most joint surgeries can be done on an outpatient basis, not everyone is a candidate. Your surgeon will consult with you to determine whether you should receive an outpatient joint replacement at Town Center Orthopaedics, or whether you would benefit better with an inpatient procedure. This decision is based on several criteria, including:

• Home support system, i.e., do you have family and friends who are available and willing to help with exercises, meal preparation, medication management, chores, and transportation, while you recover?
• Your medical history. Inpatient surgery where you can be closely monitored may be necessary if you have a history of surgical complications or other concerns like chronic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory conditions, or a previous organ transplant.

For most people, the prospect of going home the same day is the greatest advantage of outpatient surgery. Research also shows that outpatient procedures offer additional benefits, such as:

• Patients are more comfortable at home in their own surroundings than in a hospital, and rest more since hospital noises won’t wake them. More rest typically means a faster recovery.
• Patients need less pain medication. Most outpatient joint replacements at Town Center Orthopaedics use spinal anesthesia followed by a local nerve block. Together, these can provide pain relief for up to two days without the need for additional pain medication.
• Patients have a reduced risk of infection. A shorter hospital stay reduces the risk of a hospital-acquired infection like staph or MRSA, which can slow your recovery and lead to complications.

While the biggest difference between inpatient and outpatient joint replacement surgery is the length of your hospital stay, you can expect a few other key differences.

• An emphasis on “prehab.” When you have an inpatient joint replacement, much of your time in the hospital is spent on rehabilitation to help you regain strength and mobility. This often includes performing exercises, learning to use equipment like a walker, and learning how to prepare your home to support a full recovery. When you have outpatient surgery, much of this education takes place before the procedure—hence the term “prehab.”
• Changes to anesthesia protocols. Most outpatient surgical procedures are performed using spinal anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. This means the anesthetic is delivered via a needle in the lower back rather than putting you completely under. Most people tolerate spinal anesthesia better than general anesthesia and recover more quickly with fewer risks of complications.

After the procedure is complete, you can expect to remain in recovery for about three to four hours before discharge. You might still be somewhat groggy and should plan to rest when you get home. You’ll receive detailed instructions regarding pain management, exercise, activity restrictions, and follow-up care, including physical therapy.

You can find Town Center Orthopaedics conveniently located across Virginia in Ashburn, Centreville, Fairfax and Reston. Call Town Center Orthopaedics anytime or request an appointment online.