Martin Health System | Focused On Exceptional Care | Spring 2019

martinhealth.org 7 Considering joint replacement surgery? COUNT ON QUALITY. Cleveland Clinic Martin Health is proud to be a recipient of The Joint Commission’s Center of Excellence accreditation for total hip and knee joint replacement. With our best-practices model, board-certified surgeons and staff, and the most up-to-date technology and equipment, our patients receive the finest surgical and orthopaedic care, ensuring a quick and comfortable recovery. For more information about joint replacement at Martin Health, visit martinhealth.org/orthopaedics . Carrie Coppola, Orthopaedic Service Line Coordinator, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health AS COORDINATOR of the Orthopaedic Specialty Center at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, I know that the decision to have joint replacement can be a difficult one for many patients. But I also know that preparation plays a critical role in the success of total joint replace- ment surgery. We want our patients to be fully prepared for surgery. Our goal is to help them understand the following: • Pain and mobility limitations after surgery will be different from what the patient experiences before surgery and will be short- term. • A significant part of the recovery process is using the new joint by walking and exercising, accord- ing to the surgeon’s orders. • Every experience, every patient, every surgeon, every surgery and every outcome may vary. • Each patient recovers differently, and your recovery and exercise plan will be tailored to meet your needs. • Your stay in the hospital will be short; your recovery will continue after hospital discharge. • It is very important to discuss with your surgeon the best set- ting for recovery after discharge, whether it is at home or at a rehabilitation facility. • Joint replacement surgery requires a commitment by the patient to follow his or her surgeon’s instructions and work on an exercise plan after surgery. Helping you be prepared Our team conducts a weekly preop- erative education class to help our patients prepare for surgery, both mentally and physically. An online class is available for those who are unable to attend the live session. This class offers patients the opportunity to ask questions, finalize plans and alleviate any concerns they may have. Led by an orthopaedic nurse, a physical therapist and an occupational therapist, the class covers the following: • How to prepare before coming in for the surgery. • What to expect while in the hospital. • What happens at discharge. • Medication and pain control. • The latest infection prevention strategies. • Home safety. • Adaptive equipment. We encourage our patients to bring a “coach” to cheer them on and provide support throughout the process, from surgery through re- habilitation. A coach can be anyone who can provide support—such as a family member, friend or neigh- bor—and who can help with asking questions or retaining important information. By Carrie Coppola, Orthopaedic Service Line Coordinator, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health What you need to know JOINT REPLACEMENT