What You Can Expect at the IJRR
At the Institute for Joint Restoration and Research, Washington Hospital
and the Dearborn-Sah Institute for Joint Restoration bring seamless continuity
to joint care patients, from the first office visit through surgery and
rehabilitation to your post-surgery semiannual check-ups — all your
care is under the same roof.
Before Your Stay
Shortly after you schedule your surgery, you will receive a packet of educational
materials, including:
- Detailed hip and knee diagrams
- Information about your surgery and recovery
- Descriptions of important rehabilitation exercises
The strength of our joint replacement program lies in education. We spend
the needed time to educate our patients prior to their surgery about what
to expect before, during and after.” ~ Alisa Curry, P.T., D.P.T.,
P.T. Clinical Coordinator
At Your Pre-op Appointment
During your appointment, you will be asked about your medical history and
you will sign any applicable consent forms. You may have tests and lab
work performed, as ordered by your surgeon. These tests are done to check
your current state of health and prepare you for your surgery.
You will be asked to bring the following items to your pre-op appointment:
- Your medications in prescription bottles along with a current list of your
medications including inhalers, vitamins, supplements and over the counter
medications. Your list should include exact dosages, time and frequency.
- Current insurance cards or information
- Advance medical directive, if you have one
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Your doctor will advise you about:
- Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, other blood thinning products or vitamins
- Preparing for your lab work - do you need to fast, refrain from taking
medications, or other restrictions prior to testing
You will be given specific information about what time an where to report
for your surgery, as well as what you should bring with you.
During Your Stay
You will participate in group therapy classes, along with other joint replacement
patients, which have been specifically designed for the smoothest, most
comfortable recovery. Family members are encouraged to participate as
“coaches” during the therapy classes. While at the Center,
we encourage you to wear your own clothes, which helps eliminate the hospital
“inpatient” feeling and facilitates the “wellness” concept.
As a member of your own “care team,” it’s important that
you understand what’s going to happen and your role. We have found
that proper expectations ensure a rapid and successful recovery. Most
patients stay one to two days after a first-time hip or knee replacement,
and two to four days after revision or bilateral replacements.
After Your Stay
If you require additional physical therapy after discharge, home health
care agencies and outpatient rehabilitation services easily and expediently
arrange continued rehabilitation services. Resources offered share our
wellness approach and complement what has been accomplished in the hospital,
creating continuity of care.