According to New Orleans orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richard Meyer, 30 years ago the average hospital stay for patients recovering from knee or hip replacement surgery was 10 days. But over the years, medical developments have shortened those hospital stays to a minimum of about two days.
But even more recent innovations in surgical techniques, technologies and anesthesia – as well as changes to regulations – have opened up a new realm of possibilities. These improvements have decreased hospital stays following the surgeries to less than 24 hours, enabling your New Orleans orthopedic surgeon to offer the replacements as an outpatient procedure.
For patients, this means that they can have the surgery, go home the same day and receive medication to manage their pain much more efficiently for about a third of the cost. Hip or knee replacement surgery in the outpatient setting necessitates and encourages the development of techniques that make the experience less complicated, less painful and less restrictive.
According to your New Orleans orthopedic surgeon, approximately 1 million replacements are completed every year, and that number is expected to triple as baby boomers get older. There has also been a request from a growing number of healthy patients to avoid hospital admission.
The outpatient procedure provides physicians with an additional tool to be able to give their patients the highest level of care possible. No longer does a person who is 50 years old have to wait until they turn 65 to get joint replacement surgery, while they are living in pain and having their quality of life diminish.
This is an advancement that provides an easier and better experience for the patients, and it’s a big win for them as it brings with it less complications, issues and follow-ups.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your joints and are interested in determining if knee or hip replacement surgery is right for you, call the office of New Orleans orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richard Meyer today to Schedule a Consultation.