Considering a joint replacement?
McLaren Central Michigan offers a comprehensive joint replacement program for individuals undergoing a total hip or knee replacement with a strong focus on wellness, not sickness.
This comprehensive program focuses heavily on education and support for the joint replacement patient. This philosophy of care has been shown to increase patient satisfaction and safety, along with returning the patient to daily activities sooner.
Educational seminars are held weekly and required for anyone scheduled for surgery or available for anyone interested in learning more about a total hip or knee replacement. The free seminars take place at McLaren Central Michigan Hospital, 1221 South Drive in Mt. Pleasant.
For more For more information or to sign up for a seminar, please call our Joint Replacement Program Coordinator at (989) 779-5651.
Joint Replacement Program Phases
Pre-operative
- After having an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon and making the decision to have a total joint replacement, patients are scheduled to attend a free educational seminar prior to surgery at McLaren Central Michigan.
- During the seminar, patients and their support person (spouse, family member, or friend) will receive information on topics such as preconditioning, preparation at home, rehabilitation, infection prevention, and the hospital process. During this seminar, the patient will hear from the program coordinator, homecare representative, pre-anesthesia testing nurse, physical therapist, and occupational therapist.
- Patients will learn strength-building exercises at this seminar. Performing these exercises prior to surgery will help to strengthen the muscles around the joint, making movement after surgery easier.
- To be medically cleared for surgery, the patient must have required labs, testing and medical/cardiac consults completed prior to surgery. These appointments will be coordinated with the help of the surgical scheduler at the orthopedic office.
Hospital Stay
- Patients report to the hospital on the day of surgery and will stay at the hospital overnight after their surgery for observation and to work with therapy services.
- Physical therapists will instruct patients on proper use of a walker and how to safely complete daily activities as well as provide instruction on beginning recovery exercises. Occupational therapists also offer instruction on tasks such as how to get dressed and safely transfer from a shower or a toilet.
- The Program Coordinator will visit with patients regarding post-operative instructions, care, discharge plans and continued care needs following their hospital stay. Options for continued rehabilitation are explained and may include home health care services, outpatient therapy services, or a short-term rehab stay at a skilled nursing facility (if deemed necessary).
- The Program Coordinator will also assist in obtaining durable medical equipment such as a walker and dressing kit - items necessary to provide for a safe and functional home environment during recovery.
Post-Operative Recovery
- Physical therapy is usually required for several weeks after surgery while the new joint heals and is strengthened. In most cases, this rehabilitation takes place in an outpatient setting or can begin as homecare therapy and then transition to the outpatient setting.
- Patients will have a follow-up visit with the surgeon at two weeks and as directed.
- During recovery, the Program Coordinator continues to be available to the patient for questions and needs.