Patient Resources for Joint Replacement Treatments at Palomar Health
Patients that are considering a hip, knee or shoulder joint replacement at Palomar Health are encouraged to be as informed as possible.
Along with classes and answers to questions about what patients can expect before or after a joint replacement, Palomar Health offers these additional resources.
Joint Replacement Pre-Operation and Post-Operation Expectations
As with any surgery at Palomar Health , there are some pre-operation and post-operation considerations to keep in mind when having hip, knee or shoulder joint replacement surgery at Palomar Health—including, but not limited to:
Autologous Blood Donation
Donating your own blood before joint replacement surgery at Palomar Health ensures a matched source of blood if needed during or after surgery.
Discharge Planning
Be sure to discuss discharge planning with your physician beforehand. Your discharge plan may include instructions for:
• Activities
• Home care
• Pain medications
• Special exercises
• Care of the incision
Education Classes
Palomar Health offers community joint replacement surgery education classes for patients and their families to prepare for joint replacement surgery and what to do in preparation for your hospital stay.
Length of Stay in Hospital
The average length of stay for joint replacement patients at Palomar Health depends on the specific type of replacement:
• Hip Replacement: 3-6 days
• Knee Replacement: 3–6 days
• Shoulder Replacement: 1–3 days
If the orthopedic surgeon utilizes a minimally invasive approach, the length of stay may be reduced.
Medication
Before the joint replacement surgery at Palomar Health, discuss with your physician the medications you are currently taking. Some may need to be temporarily discontinued until after the surgery. This determination can be most appropriately made by your physician or orthopedist.
Rehabilitation
Patients that have received a total joint replacement at Palomar Health can still lead functional, active lifestyles. One major component of many rehabilitation programs is exercise to restore function, mobility, and strength to the affected joint and surrounding muscles.
Discuss with your physician what an appropriate post-operative rehabilitation program should include.
Consult your physician for more specific pre and post-operative planning for your individual condition and type of joint replacement surgery.
Do you have questions about joint replacement surgery at Palomar Health? Visit Patient Resources, Contact Us or Find our Location(s).