Rapid Recovery Joint Replacement: What to Expect

Conventional hip or knee replacement surgery can lead to a long road to recovery for patients. Rapid recovery joint replacement is a cutting-edge approach that can accelerate healing, involving smaller incisions and less scarring and postoperative pain. The minimally invasive approach can help patients get back to their everyday activities much faster after surgery. 

Fondren Orthopedic Group is an expert in rapid recovery joint replacement. We use state-of-the-art equipment to help our patients heal faster and improve functionality. Learn more about rapid recovery joint replacement, its benefits and what to expect in recovery. 

Understanding Rapid Recovery Joint Replacement 

Rapid recovery joint replacement is a modern approach to hip or knee replacement surgery. It involves smaller incisions, less damage to surrounding tissue and working around the muscles and tendons.   

This often means less pain and scarring and fewer complications, helping patients get back on their feet faster. Compared to traditional joint replacement, which can require a three- to five-day hospital stay, this innovative approach can get patients home the same day or within 24 hours of the procedure. 

Traditional joint replacement typically relies on strong opioid painkillers to manage pain after surgery, and it often calls for a longer physical therapy journey. It has a higher risk of complications, scarring and pain since it involves larger incisions, which can cause more tissue damage. For instance, rapid recovery joint replacement usually involves a 3- to 6-inch incision for hip replacements, while traditional surgery uses a 10- to 12-inch incision.  

Who Is a Candidate for Rapid Recovery Joint Replacement?

Generally, people who are in good health, have a stable medical condition and actively participate in their recovery make good candidates for rapid recovery joint replacement. Medical professionals will consider these factors to determine if the patient is a good fit for rapid recovery joint replacement:

• Highly motivated patients who are ready to commit to their recovery journey after surgery
• Patients who are in good overall health
• Patients without chronic health issues like heart disease, diabetes or sleep apnea
• Patients who have a strong support system at home to help with recovery

An orthopedic surgeon and a multidisciplinary team will assess the patient prior to surgery. The surgeon will make the final decision whether the patient is a suitable candidate for a rapid recovery program. 

Patients can appreciate numerous benefits of minimally invasive rapid recovery joint replacement: 

Reduced Pain and Scarring

Since rapid recovery joint replacement involves smaller incisions, it results in less scarring and pain in recovery. You can appreciate a faster, more comfortable recovery following surgery and no unsightly scarring. You are also at a lower risk of complications and infections with this procedure since there is less tissue damage — muscles and tendons are avoided or separated, not cut. 

Faster Return to Activities

A minimally invasive approach means a faster recovery and return to everyday activities. Many patients can go home within one to two days of the procedure and feel comfortable getting back to work and daily tasks within a few weeks. 

Use of State-Of-The-Art Technology

With rapid recovery joint replacement, surgeons use cutting-edge, robotic technology, allowing for greater precision and less tissue damage. Three-dimensional imaging guides the surgeon in bone cuts and implant placement for better alignment, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue and resulting in less pain and faster recovery times.  

Multidisciplinary Approach

Rapid recovery joint replacement also takes a more multidisciplinary approach, involving surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and physical therapists working together to create a personalized care plan for the patient. This means the patient’s unique needs are addressed at every stage, from preoperative planning to post-surgery rehabilitation. 

What to Expect From Rapid Recovery Joint Replacement Surgery 

When you opt for rapid recovery joint replacement surgery, your physician will first assess your health and risk for anesthesia. They will share this information with your surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate. They may do certain tests to make sure you are a good fit for surgery and anesthesia. From here, you can expect the following process from pre-op to recovery:

Preoperative Stage

The pre-op stage is all about education and preparation. Your surgeon will educate you about the surgery and help you plan so you know what to expect during and after, setting realistic expectations about outcomes and recovery. They will also discuss your insurance coverage and financial options.  

The Day of Surgery 

The day of surgery will involve the following process:

1. Arrival: You will typically arrive a few hours before your surgery for final preparations.
2. Anesthesia: For this type of procedure, you will typically receive regional anesthesia rather than general.
3. Procedure: The actual surgery will involve using a robot for more precise cuts for knee replacements, helping avoid too much soft tissue damage. For hip replacements, surgeons often use an anterior approach where the incision is on the front of the hip and does not cut into muscle, which means less pain afterward. 
4. Recovery: After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room and monitored as the anesthesia wears off. 

Recovery Timeline 

The joint replacement recovery timeline is often three to six months. Rehabilitation usually starts within a day of surgery, when a physical therapist helps you stand up and walk with crutches or a walker.   

For knee replacement, you should be able to move with minimal help and significantly less pain by week three. By week seven, you can usually walk on your own without help. Your actual recovery timeline will depend on your existing health and how well you follow aftercare instructions. Doing the exercises your surgeon or physiotherapist gives you is important for a successful recovery. 

Your Role in a Successful Recovery  

Having realistic joint replacement recovery expectations and following your aftercare instructions is essential for a successful healing journey. Be sure to: 

• Attend physical therapy.
• Manage pain correctly, following your physician’s instructions.
• Prioritize rest and proper nutrition.
• Stay active within your limits.

Make sure you communicate with your care team throughout your recovery. They can answer any questions you have or address concerns promptly. Sticking to your recovery plan will help you manage pain effectively, gain strength and return to your everyday activities after surgery faster.

Get Innovative Rapid Recovery Joint Replacement With Fondren Orthopedic Group 

Rapid recovery joint replacement is a minimally invasive approach that can optimize your recovery journey. At Fondren Orthopedic Group, we take a multidisciplinary approach to give you more comprehensive care. Our team of specialists works together to create a personalized care plan for optimized recovery. We use state-of-the-art technology for greater precision, leading to less scarring and pain and faster recovery times.

Our cutting-edge, evidence-based approach means you get the most advanced orthopedic care available. We will support your rehabilitation and recovery, helping you heal more easily and regain functionality.

Schedule an appointment online to learn more about our rapid recovery joint replacement.