Total Joint Replacement

The Total Joint Replacement Program at Virginia Hospital Center - a recipient of the Gold Seal of Approval^® for Joint Replacement (hip and knee) from The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) - helps patients to regain mobility and return to their activities of daily living, whether that means running errands or running marathons.

Since 2001, we've performed more than 4,200 total joint replacements - and more than 1,200 partial joint replacements - for hip, knee, shoulder, elbow and other joints. From diagnosis to discharge - from pre-surgical patient education classes to on-site rehabilitation facilities - the Total Joint Replacement Program offers a truly comprehensive approach and a track record of high levels of patient satisfaction and low rates of complications and readmissions.

The Total Joint Replacement Program takes an interdisciplinary approach to patient care. A team of skilled professionals - including orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, specially-trained nurses, physical and occupational therapists and case managers - works together to develop and implement treatment plans for each patient.

Comprehensive Care Starts before Surgery…

Every patient's treatment program actually begins four to six weeks before the joint replacement surgery takes place. It may include the following:

• Pre-operative interview and assessment by screening nurse, Total Joint Replacement Program case worker and/or physical therapist regarding patient's medical condition, lifestyle, goals and expectations.
• Monthly class about the Total Joint Replacement process, including introduction to the care team, educational materials about joint replacement, anesthesia information, pre-op testing (as needed), recommendations on managing other health problems before surgery, and advice on setting up for home recovery.
• At-home physical therapy program, breathing exercises and nutritional advice, to help you get in the best possible condition before surgery.

… and Continues Through Rehabilitation

Experience has shown that the sooner a patient begins to use a new hip, knee or other joint, the better their overall recovery will be.

To help get a patient moving quickly and safely, the Total Joint Replacement Program has dedicated inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Physical therapists work with patients in the gym to assess their abilities and teach them exercises and movements designed to enhance recovery and protect new joints. In our specially-designed kitchen and bathroom, patients work with occupational therapists to learn techniques and use tools that will help them function independently and safely when cooking and caring for themselves at home.

Heading Home

Most patients stay with us for three to four days after surgery. We strive to send patients home immediately after their inpatient stay. However, age and overall health - as well as physical barriers in the home, such as stairs - may make it best for a patient to go to a residential rehabilitation facility first.

These issues are among many that the Total Joint Replacement case manager will discuss with patients and families as part of discharge planning, which also includes the provision of equipment that may be needed - everything from a shoehorn to a hospital bed - and ample instruction in how patients should care for themselves, move around safely, do exercises and more.

Whether patients go home or to another facility, we follow up to make sure they are well on the road to recovery. While joint replacements are becoming more and more commonplace, choosing to undergo joint replacement is a big step. The Total Joint Replacement Program at Virginia Hospital Center understands—and we'll be with you, every step of the way.