For decades, a total knee or hip replacement meant a multi-day hospital stay, followed by a stint in a rehab facility. But thanks to advancements in surgical techniques, pain management and recovery protocols, many patients are now having outpatient surgery in the comfort of an ambulatory surgery center and coming home the same day.
Outpatient joint replacement has quickly become the new standard in orthopedic care.
Leading Outpatient Joint Replacement in Charleston
Dr. Neal Huang, a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement surgeon with Lowcountry Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, has been at the forefront. “We’ve been a leader in outpatient joint replacement since 2017, even before COVID forced the health care system to evolve,” he explained. “Back then, we developed better protocols for before, during and after surgery to optimize recovery. When the pandemic hit and inpatient stays were limited, outpatient surgery became necessary. It turns out the outcomes are just as good, if not better.”
Benefits of Outpatient Surgery
Research confirms what Dr. Huang and his team have been practicing for years: Outpatient joint replacement is generally safe, effective and more cost-efficient. By eliminating the need for a hospital bed, patients save on health care costs and benefit from recovering in the comfort of their own homes.
Make no mistake, though, these procedures aren’t the “drive-thru” of the surgery world.
Preparing Patients for Success
“Outpatient doesn’t mean we’re cutting corners,” Dr. Huang emphasized. “It’s a highly collaborative process between the patient and the medical team. We spend time educating each person on what to expect, how to manage their medications, pain control strategies and what equipment they’ll need at home. It’s all about setting them up for success.”
Dr. Huang said more than 90% of his patients are good candidates for the surgery. “The key is being medically stable and having a support system in place at home for the first few days. The patient needs to be able to safely get around their house, use a walker and have someone nearby if they need help.”
Surgical Techniques for Faster Recovery
Part of what makes the outpatient approach so effective is the attention to surgical technique. For hip replacements, Dr. Huang uses an anterior approach, accessing the joint from the front rather than the side or back, which results in less pain and faster recovery. For knees, he employs a method called kinematic alignment, which preserves the soft tissues around the knee and restores the joint to its natural state. “It allows people to get moving sooner and feel more like themselves again,” he said.
Risks and Complications
Of course, with any surgery, there are potential risks. “The complications aren’t really any different from inpatient surgery. Things like dizziness, lightheadedness or falls can be things to look out for,” he said. “The difference is, we’ve already taught patients how to manage these things before they leave the surgery center. We even partner with home health physical therapy providers to ensure they have support right away.”
The Role of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an important part of recovery. Techniques vary based on the surgery and the doctor’s recommendations. Dr. Huang believes in a gentle approach during the first two weeks post-op. “That early period is about healing,” he explained. “Let the swelling go down and start working on gentle motion. You’ll feel better sooner if you don’t push too hard, too fast.”
Patients typically start using a walker immediately after surgery, then progress to a cane as they feel stable. Eventually, the patient weans off all aids within six weeks. According to Dr. Huang, around 70% of recovery happens in the first month-and-a-half, but full recovery can take up to a year. “By three months, most people are 80 to 90% there,” he said. “That last 10% comes with time.”
Comfort of Recovering at Home
One of the unsung benefits of outpatient joint replacement is the psychological comfort it offers. “Sleeping in your own bed and being surrounded by familiar things makes a difference,” Dr. Huang noted. “People rest better, they’re more relaxed and their social support system is right there. That all contributes to a smoother recovery.”
Restoring Lives Through Outpatient Joint Replacement
With so many pros to having outpatient total joint replacement, Dr. Huang is confident in the future of this approach. “We’ve seen firsthand how empowering it is for patients to take control of their recovery. It’s not just about replacing a joint. It’s about restoring your life, faster and with less disruption.”
If you have been putting off a knee or hip replacement because of concerns about a lengthy stay in a hospital stay or rehab center, it might be time to reconsider. Outpatient joint replacement is redefining what’s possible and getting people back on their feet sooner than ever.
By Anne Toole
