The Rise of Outpatient Total Joint Replacement
In recent years, outpatient total joint replacement, meaning patients are able to go home the same day as their surgery, has seen an increase due to medical advancements. At Lakewalk Surgery Center, we are proud to specialize in same-day knee, hip, and shoulder joint replacement – helping patients return to their normal lives faster and with less hassle.
How Medical Advances Have Made Outpatient Joint Replacement Possible
The movement toward outpatient joint replacement surgery is driven by cutting-edge medical technology, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and improved pain management. Some of the key developments include:
- Minimally Invasive Techniques – Smaller incisions and muscle-sparing approaches result in less tissue damage and faster recovery.
- Improved Implant Technology – Modern prosthetics are designed for better durability and function, allowing for early mobility after surgery.
- Enhanced Pain Management – The use of regional anesthesia and multimodal pain control strategies reduces reliance on opioids and promotes a quicker recovery.
- Accelerated Rehabilitation – Early physical therapy and at-home recovery plans support a smooth transition from surgery to full activity.
Your entire care team, from surgeon to anesthesiologist to therapist and everyone in between, works together to create a personalized plan to fit your recovery goals and ensure an outpatient surgery is the right option for you.
Knee, Hip, and Shoulder Replacements: When Is Surgery Needed?
Moving parts wear out, but that doesn’t mean you should stop moving! Joint replacement becomes necessary when chronic pain, stiffness, and mobility issues severely impact your daily life. Ignoring pain can also lead to more serious issues, so it is important to address concerns early to minimize or eliminate larger problems later.
Common conditions that lead to joint replacement include:
- Knee Replacement – Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis causing pain and limited movement.
- Hip Replacement – Severe arthritis, hip fractures, or other degenerative joint diseases that interfere with walking and daily activities.
- Shoulder Replacement – Severe arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, or fractures affecting shoulder function.
We look to non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections – however if they no longer provide relief, joint replacement may be the best option to restore mobility and quality of life.
Benefits of Recovering at Home vs. Hospital
One of the biggest advantages of outpatient joint replacement is the ability to recover in the comfort of your own home. Additional benefits of same-day surgery include:
- Lower Risk of Infection – Recovering at home reduces exposure to hospital-acquired infections.
- Less Stress – Resting in a familiar environment reduces stress and promotes healing.
- Faster Recovery – Early mobility and at-home rehabilitation contribute to a quicker return to daily activities.
- Cost Savings – Outpatient procedures typically have lower overall costs compared to hospital stays.
It is projected that 51% of joint replacements will be done on an outpatient basis by 2026 and we are committed to providing patients with a safe, efficient, and comfortable outpatient experience.
If you’re planning on scheduling a total joint replacement surgery, ask your doctor if outpatient care would be beneficial to your recovery. Contact Lakewalk Surgery Center to learn more!