Understanding Joint Replacement and Orthopaedic Surgery Recovery at AHN Saint Vincent

Deciding to have joint replacement or orthopaedic surgery is a big step. You may have questions about what to expect.

At AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, your care team is here to support you from surgery through recovery. The goal is to help you reduce pain, regain movement, and get back to your daily activities comfortably.

Is orthopaedic surgery right for you?

Orthopaedic conditions affect your bones, joints, and muscles, often causing pain. Orthopaedic issues are common and may be a result of injury, or can simply happen as our bodies age over time. Common orthopaedic conditions include:

• Joint damage in the hips, knees, or shoulders
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Broken bones
• Torn tissues
• Severe arthritis

Surgery is usually not the first step in treating orthopaedic pain. Doctors often start by recommending things like wearing braces on your affected joints, physical therapy, and medications or injections for pain and swelling in some cases.

If your pain doesn’t improve with these treatments, you may want to talk to your doctor about surgery.

“When pain starts affecting your daily life and limiting your activity, it’s time to discuss how surgery can help,” said Robert Lupo, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at AHN Saint Vincent.

Planning for surgery at Saint Vincent

If you and your care team at Saint Vincent decide surgery is right for you, they will help you prepare so you feel informed and ready. Before your procedure, you can expect:

• A review of your health and medical history
• Imaging or tests, if needed
• Clear instructions on how to prepare
• Time to ask questions and understand your care and recovery plan

Minimally invasive surgery options

Mako^TM robotic surgery

Whenever possible, especially for hip and knee replacement, AHN uses minimally invasive techniques, including Mako robotic surgery.

Before surgery, your doctor may use a 3D scan to create a detailed picture of your joint and plan your procedure.

During surgery, robotic technology helps guide the surgeon for more precise movement and placement. The surgeon always remains in control, but the technology can help improve accuracy.

Muscle-sparing techniques

Saint Vincent’s minimally invasive options also include muscle-sparing total knee and anterior hip (through the front of the hip) replacements, which is an approach that avoids cutting muscles and tendons in the joint.

Through this technique, muscles and tendons are lifted up in order for the implant to be placed underneath, rather than cut.

Many patients who get minimally invasive surgery experience benefits like:

• Less damage to nearby tissue
• Less pain after surgery
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster return to daily activities

Dr. Lupo is one of few surgeons in the country skilled in using robotics in anterior hip replacements and a muscle-sparing approach. Having personally performed more than 3,200 Mako robotic hip and knee replacements, he brings experience few surgeons can match.

“We have been using robotic technology for over a decade at Saint Vincent,” said Dr. Lupo. “Over the years, we’ve seen the clear benefits of minimally invasive surgery, especially when it comes to recovery.”

What to expect after orthopaedic surgery at Saint Vincent

Each patient is different, but many can go home the same day after surgery if there are no complications. If needed, you may stay longer for extra care and support.

For elderly patients or those who do not have someone to help at home, Saint Vincent can provide overnight care to make sure you get the support you need.

In some cases, you may begin gentle movement the same day as your surgery. Your doctor will let you know what activity is safe as you heal.

Some pain after orthopaedic surgery is normal. Saint Vincent offers many options to help make sure you are comfortable, including:

• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
• Injections to numb the joint
• Nerve blocks to reduce pain
• Short-term narcotic medications to relieve pain

Your doctor may recommend a combination of these methods to help control pain while limiting the reliance on stronger medication.

“The most important thing in many cases is to control swelling with ice and elevation,” said Dr. Lupo. “Patients who do this recover much faster.”

Recovering at home

Orthopaedic surgery recovery time is different for hip and knee replacement, shoulder surgery, and other procedures. Your care team will make sure you understand how to heal faster from your specific surgery.

They'll let you know if and when you should:

• Start moving with support, like a cane, walker, brace, or sling
• Work with a physical therapist to rebuild strength and movement
• Practice simple exercises at home
• Gradually return to normal activities

Your care team at Saint Vincent will be available to answer questions and provide support as you get back on your feet.

Feel confident about your surgery

Surgery can seem scary, but the team at AHN Saint Vincent Hospital is here to support you every step of the way, so you can feel confident in your care and get back to living pain free. Learn more about orthopaedic care at Saint Vincent.