BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Med Center Health is making waves with same-day discharges for patients who undergo knee and hip replacements.
What You Need To Know
- Med Center Health's new program allows for same-day discharges for patients who undergo knee and hip replacements
- A comprehensive group of nurses and doctors work with the patient
- So far, nine people have been a part of the program
- A robotic arm assists during surgery
This is a big change from previous procedures where patients used to spend a few days in the hospital after joint replacement surgery.
Kristal Rubin received a hip replacement in April and went through the program.
“Walking my dog, I had to shorten intervals. It was just becoming a problem," said Rubin. "I couldn't travel. It was becoming difficult to do a lot of things. After surgery, I was able to get my life back. I’m able to use stairs without a problem. I’m traveling, and I’m helping my kids move around.”
Dr. Rasesh Desai was crucial in implementing the program at the hospital after researching and speaking with other centers around the country doing the same. He said it is a comprehensive group of nurses and doctors who work with the patient before and after to make sure recovery is smooth and quick.
“We have a joint navigator who is in constant contact with the patient before and after the surgery," said Desai. "Then we have an amazing team of physical therapists who work with them in their home environment to get them back on their feet and make them recover quickly.”
Another crucial part of the technology is the MAKO robotic arm that assists during surgery.
Rubin has now completed nine weeks of physical therapy, and she said she is happy to be functioning as she wants again.
"Before surgery I was fidgety during movies and couldn't garden and do other activities," said Rubin. "I still have restrictions, but I can walk and my pain is at a zero. It was nice to know that I could go home the same day which normally doesnt happen."