Having Surgery

If your doctor recommends joint surgery, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect from the procedure and your recovery. Below, we’ve provided answers to questions patients often ask us about their experience at the Kaplan Joint Center.

How Long Does Joint Surgery Usually Take?

Joint surgery usually takes about two to three hours to complete, and it requires a hospital stay of about three days. We usually admit patients on the morning of surgery.

How Long Will It Take for Me to Recover?

Your recovery depends on your general health before surgery and the type of joint you are having replaced. Our goal during your recovery is to help you comfortably return to your daily activities.

While most joint surgeries relieve pain and improve movement, recovery does take time. Most patients need at least three to five months to get their strength and energy back.

What Do I Need to Do During My Recovery?

Routine care after joint surgery involves:

• Occupational therapy
• Pain management
• Physical therapy
• Wound care

We can help you arrange all those services.

What Will the Facilities Be Like When I Have My Surgery?

Our surgeons perform joint surgery in advanced operating rooms that are designed with a focus on patient-centered care and successful outcomes. They use the latest tools and technology, such as computer-assisted surgery, to offer many joint surgical services, including minimally invasive procedures.

We have access to digital preoperative planning, a technology called e-templating, which uses digital images instead of traditional X-ray films. Our doctors use surgical techniques and improved pain-management methods, which help patients recover faster and easier from joint surgery. We also have a dedicated orthopedic floor with nurses who are specially trained to care for patients as they recover from joint surgery.

Where Will I Stay While I’m in the Hospital?

Many patients who undergo joint surgery stay in our Slotnick Inpatient Pavilion for their inpatient care. All rooms in the Slotnick Inpatient Pavilion are private and spacious with large windows overlooking the surrounding neighborhood. Rooms include:

• Desk with internet connectivity for patients’ electronic devices and laptops
• Large private in-suite bathroom
• Pull-out sofa to accommodate an overnight guest
• Television

There are two stair training areas and a teaching tub station for patients to learn how to manage at home. You can view images of the inpatient pavilion below.

Who Will Care for Me While I’m in the Hospital?

During your stay with us, your care team will include your:

• Surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Nurses
• Case management team
• Rehabilitation Services staff members
• Various other staff members

Your care team will work together to make your stay with us a positive experience. Each of our staff members is committed to making your stay comfortable and successful.

During your recovery from joint surgery, our focus is to help manage your pain and protect your new joint so we can help you get active as quickly as possible.

The goal of your case management team, working with the Joint Center, is to help you regain your quality of life through successful home care or rehabilitation.