From Prehab to Rehab

When ready for joint replacement surgery, you don't need to travel to a larger hospital far from home. Stephens County Hospital is a certified Center of Excellence for Total Knee and Hip Replacement. What does this mean for you? It signifies that our team has consistently worked to enhance our processes, achieving top-tier patient outcomes that meet national standards. So, whether it's your knee, hip, or shoulder, you can feel confident in our expertise if other treatment options aren't providing relief.

Joint replacement surgeries for the knee, hip and shoulder have seen significant improvements over the past decade and continue to advance. At Stephens County Hospital, it's not just about state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and surgical techniques; it's also about the personalized care plan your team develops for your recovery journey, including pre-and post-operative care.

A Focus on Preparation and Education

Our team ensures you're well-prepared for surgery by educating you and your family on best practices for a successful outcome. We'll discuss what to expect, activities to avoid, and what you need to do at each stage of recovery.

Our Rehab Team will highlight the benefits of participating in our free Pre-hab Program, which aims to optimize joint function before surgery. The better your joint functions before surgery, the stronger and faster your recovery is likely to be afterward.

The Rehab Team will coordinate with Case Management to tailor your post-surgery plan. Personalized aftercare is also determined to fit your lifestyle. Additionally, you'll meet with the Respiratory team during the planning phase to review any medical history and establish a baseline for your pain levels. The Rehab Team will also work with Nutrition Services to address your dietary needs and discuss potential bladder or bowel issues to mitigate fall risks and ensure proper patient education.

Following the planning phase, you will have a pre-admission testing appointment to review your medical history and address potential risks. We'll prepare you for what to expect after surgery, including restrictions like no bathing before staple removal, the expectation of walking within four hours after surgery, and stair training the day after your procedure.

The Day of Surgery

On the morning of your surgery, you are welcomed by familiar faces from your planning sessions. Registration takes place, pre-op antibiotics will be administered, and you'll meet with the doctor to establish a baseline with the respiratory team.

After your surgery, you'll be moved to the post-operative admission room, where the medical staff will evaluate whether you meet discharge criteria set by anesthesia without complications. Once cleared, you will transition to a private wing of the hospital for joint replacement recovery.

Personalized Care in a Comfortable Setting

One of the advantages of a smaller facility like Stephens County Hospital is the ability to provide distinguished certified care and personalized attention. Post-operative patients are placed in a private area away from other medical patients to enhance infection control. We maintain a low nurse-to-patient ratio, so the nurse who assists you in the morning after surgery will also care for you the following day. This continuity helps foster familiarity and improves patient outcomes.

Having the same care team throughout your stay enhances the educational process. Continuous education during your recovery helps you regain mobility and teaches you how to transfer, walk, and recognize essential recovery milestones.

Most patients can return home within 24 hours following a total joint replacement procedure. Our Rehab Team also offers outpatient physical therapy services to optimize functional outcomes and allow patients to use their joints to their full potential.