Joint Replacement in 23 Hours: Is It Right for You?

In some of the most recent trends found in joint replacement, many patients have been opting for a procedure called a 23-hour joint replacement. Throughout the procedure, patients will have the surgery performed, spend one night in hospital, and then take the rest of their time recovering at home. This can be a great option for patients who don’t want a lengthy, postoperative hospital stay. Shorter hospital stays have many benefits and can sometimes lead to faster recovery. But for those interested in this treatment, it is not recommended for everyone. We’re here to briefly explore what this procedure entails, what makes a good candidate, and whether or not it’s safe for hip or knee replacement candidates.

How Does a 23-Hour Joint Replacement Session Work?

Typically surgeries that use these methods include hip replacements, knee replacements, and other orthopedic issues that cannot be repaired through non-invasive or minimally invasive means. These procedures typically involve a 3-day hospital stay and then a visit to a rehabilitation hospital to ensure that the new joint is working properly and healing before sending patients back home. However, the past ten years of developments have also led to quicker recovery times. With the introduction of the 23-hour joint replacement, patients can head home quicker and recover better.

The 23-hour joint replacement is the same surgical procedure as a knee or hips replacement surgery but instead involves a shorter stay at the hospital. These procedures start with an early-morning surgery, followed by an afternoon physical therapy session at the hospital. Then if there are no foreseen complications, patients are immediately sent home that very same day. By limiting the stay to “23 hours,” patients can experience numerous benefits, including:

• Less Stress During Recovery: Patients who come home early will have a much easier time adapting to their new surgery, as patients often thrive better in their home environment than in the hospital.
• Reduced Risk of Secondary Infection: Despite their cleanliness, hospitals are often reported to have a high risk of spreading illness and infection. Patients can reduce this overall risk and have a healthy recovery by reducing the time spent.
• Lower Hospital Stay Costs: Due to the rising trend of expensive hospital stays, patients can use this surgery option to reduce their time of stay in the hospital and reduce overall costs for treatment.

Who’s A Good Candidate For 23-Hour Joint Replacement?

Candidates for the 23-hour joint replacement surgery are typically patients who require a knee or hip replacement but are in good health and are young overall. This includes patients in the normal weight range who don’t smoke. It’s important that with this candidacy, patients have support from friends and family during their recovery, as those members can provide helpful resources as you attend physical therapy sessions and navigate through everyday life.

Even with the help of medical professionals at hospitals, patients can recover better at home through the 23-hour joint replacement treatment. Contacting your local orthopedist is the best solution for more information about this and other similar treatments.