Joint Replacement

Joint replacement is considered when pain and loss of function significantly affect daily activities and conservative treatments (such as medication, physical therapy or injections) are no longer effective. Your physician will review your symptoms, medical history and diagnostic tests to determine whether surgery is the best option for you.

Planning begins as soon as your surgery is scheduled. Each patient is paired with a Nurse Navigator, who helps establish realistic goals, reduce pre-surgery anxiety and provide education on what to expect before, during and after surgery. Nurse Navigators guide patients through:

• Preparing your home and body for surgery
• What to bring to the hospital
• Planning for discharge and recovery needs (equipment, home care, transportation)

Patients also complete preoperative testing arranged by their physician. A pre-admission nurse reviews your medical history and any special needs, such as translation services or transportation.

Greenwich Hospital also offers educational programs and seminars led by surgeons, anesthesiologists, physical therapists, and program coordinators. These sessions review the entire process, from surgery through recovery, so patients and loved ones know what to expect.

For more information about joint replacement education programs, call the Joint Replacement Center at 203-863-3697.

Every patient is unique, but the average hospital stay following joint replacement surgery is about two nights. Advances in surgical techniques, anesthesia and pain management allow many patients to return home sooner.

Greenwich Hospital surgeons use minimally invasive approaches when appropriate, and patients are encouraged to begin moving shortly after surgery to speed recovery.

Anesthesia is tailored to each patient and procedure:

• Hip and knee replacement: spinal anesthesia combined with a local nerve block and IV sedation. Patients are asleep during the surgery.
• Shoulder replacement: nerve block with general anesthesia.

Your anesthesiologist will discuss the best option for you before surgery.

Learn more about Admitting at Greenwich Hospital

Discharge planning begins before surgery and is individualized for each patient. A team of physicians, nurses, case managers and social workers work together to ensure a safe transition from hospital to home or rehabilitation. Planning may include:

• Fitting for assistive devices such as a walker
• Arranging transportation and home support
• Coordinating home care or inpatient rehab services
• Reviewing medications and follow-up appointments

Learn more about Discharge Procedures

Recovery times vary. For knee replacement, the average rehabilitation period is four to six months. Rehabilitation includes outpatient physical therapy sessions and prescribed home exercises.

Many patients can go directly home from the hospital, with support from Greenwich Hospital social workers, nurses, and home care services to ensure a safe recovery.

Insurance coverage for joint replacement surgery depends on your plan. In most cases, insurance does cover medically necessary procedures such as hip or knee replacement, though pre-approval may be required for surgery and aftercare. Greenwich Hospital’s case managers help patients:

• Understand insurance benefits
• Obtain required authorizations
• Plan for inpatient or home-based rehabilitation services

Patients should also be aware that separate bills may come from providers outside the hospital, such as radiologists, anesthesiologists or laboratories.

Learn more about billing and how to pay your bill online

For assistance with insurance, billing, or authorizations, call the Joint Replacement Program Coordinator at 203-863-3697.