Total joint replacement program
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Sharp's Joint Endeavor® program ensures each patient achieves the best possible results
Sharp is a leading destination for hip and knee total joint replacement surgeries and hip resurfacing procedures. Sharp uses a multidisciplinary team approach, called the Joint Endeavor® program, which is unlike other providers'. This approach helps patients return home and recover as quickly as possible.
Joint Endeavor includes board-certified surgeons with a special interest and expertise in joint replacement, physical therapists, case managers, nurses, social workers and — most importantly — patients. The team looks at every step of the patient's care, from preoperative tests to postdischarge home safety, to ensure that patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
The team combines patient education, clinical pathways, multimodal pain management (to better control pain, lower narcotic use and improve function with fewer complications) and postoperative rehabilitation to ensure that it achieves desired outcomes.
Based on a "wellness concept of care," Joint Endeavor's vital component is the active participation of each patient. The hospital stay is just one step of helping patients return to an active lifestyle as quickly as possible.
Your options for joint replacement surgery begin with us
Learn more about Sharp's joint replacement surgery options:
Preparing for your surgery
Education is the cornerstone of Joint Endeavor. Before surgery, patients meet their orthopedic program manager and pre-anesthesia nurse.
Each patient attends a training session before his or her scheduled surgery. The program includes education on:
Exercise and physical therapy
Methods of improving mobility
Techniques for handling daily activities such as walking, dressing and bathing
All patients receive a link to an illustrated booklet that summarizes the information discussed in this class for their home reference.
Registered dietitians also offer classes to help patients develop nutritional habits that enhance the healing process.
Expect great care while you're in the hospital
Most patients will go home the evening of their surgery, a few will stay overnight and go home the following morning. Patients receive ongoing guidance and instruction before going home. The Joint Endeavor team works with patients to ensure that they have help at home after surgery, including planning meals and other daily activities. The team may also help arrange for equipment and other special needs.
Whenever possible, a family member or other caregiver is included in the process so he or she can provide the most support during the recovery process.
All about DVT prophylaxis
Total joint replacement patients are at risk for blood clots after surgery. To prevent these clots, surgeons may use a blood-thinning drug like aspirin for a period of time following joint replacement. Some patients may require prescription medications to prevent blood clots.
After you get home from the hospital
The Joint Endeavor team ensures that patients are progressing even when they return home. A member of the team calls patients regularly to monitor patients' progress and identify any problems patients may have with their joint replacement.