Same-Day Total Joint Replacement

At Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) Orthopedics, highly motivated, qualified patients can participate in our Same-Day Joint Replacement program. Rapid recovery options including same-day outpatient surgery are part of SVMC Orthopedic's innovative total joint replacement program for hips and knees.

Key program components include: coordinated care, pre-operative preparation, advanced surgical techniques, personalized pain control, and intensive, accelerated therapy regimens that accelerate a patient's return to independence.

With new advances in joint replacement techniques, patients can have their joint replacement surgery and return to the comfort of home all in the same day.

Benefits of Same-Day Joint Replacement Surgery

• No hospital stay: Highly qualified, motivated patients will go home within hours of surgery.
• A faster recovery period: Minimally invasive surgery techniques use smaller incisions that spare healthy tissue surrounding the joint. Patients report less stiffness, greater mobility, and a quicker return to normal activity.
• Advanced pain management techniques: Cutting-edge pain management methods direct pain relief to the joint replacement site, enabling the patient to recover comfortably in their own home.

Who is a Candidate for Same-Day Joint Replacement?

The Same-Day Joint Replacement program is offered to highly motivated patients who seek quick recovery for total knee or hip joint replacement. Patients must meet strict criteria to participate and are pre-selected by their orthopedic physician. Patients must opt-in to participate. The Same-Day Joint Replacement program is unique because it tailors the recovery experience to each individual's goals to help him or her quickly return to the activities they enjoy most.

Although the orthopedic surgeon may recommend the patient for same-day joint replacement, the decision to have the procedure on an outpatient basis (less than 24 hours) is up to the patient and their insurance company. The patient must meet all the requirements during the preoperative phase in order to qualify.

What to Expect: Prehab, Surgery, Post-op, Rehab

Prehab: Preparing for Surgery

Candidates participate in preoperative activities to help prepare for a more rapid recovery after knee replacement or hip replacement:

• Pre-operative physical therapy or "prehab:" The goal of prehab is to learn skills, exercises and techniques before surgery that help accelerate recovery after knee hip or shoulder surgery.
• Pre-operative educational sessions by the orthopedic patient navigator and rehabilitation therapist: This session alleviates anxiety and uncertainty regarding what to expect with joint replacement surgery. Your care plan will be individualized to meet your needs.

Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement Surgery

SVMC Orthopedic surgeons are highly skilled in the latest advancements in joint replacement surgery, including muscle-sparing approaches and techniques to minimize blood loss and postoperative inflammation. These techniques ease pain and allow for quick recovery for joint replacement patients.

Post-operative Care: No Hospital Stay

Post-operative care is a coordinated effort among the orthopedic team with the collaborative goal of preparing the patient for a safe and comfortable return home. During post-operative care, pain control is tailored to each patient's individual needs to maximize effectiveness. This will allow the patient to rest comfortably in their own home, and minimize side effects so he or she can participate in their rehab therapy program.

Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Recovery

An accelerated therapy program begins just hours after the joint replacement surgery is completed. Upon their return home, Same-Day Joint Replacement individuals will participate in an out-patient rehabilitation program. Patients will start outpatient therapy two weeks after surgery. All elements of care are coordinated by the orthopedic patient navigator.

Contact Us

To see if you qualify for the Same-Day Joint Replacement Program, schedule an appointment with SVMC Orthopedics by calling 802-442-6314.