John Larkin, MD, of Commonwealth Orthopaedic Centers, performed the first outpatient total joint replacement in northern Kentucky, according to a Northern Kentucky Tribune report.
Here are five things to know about the procedure:
1. Dr. Larkin performed the outpatient total knee replacement in conjunction with the St. Elizabeth Orthopaedic Institute in Edgewood, Ky.
2. The surgery began at 7:30 am and the patient spent a few hours in the PACU before being discharged at noon.
3. The patient began physical therapy immediately and a home health nurse visited the patient to assess the surgical site and provide any additional support.
4. Outpatient total knee replacement can be a beneficial procedure for the appropriately-selected patients because there are quicker recovery times, lower infection rates and increased patient satisfaction when compared with inpatient total joint replacements.
5. The patients must attend a preoperative teaching protocol with the surgeon and anesthesiologist visit as well as home visits from the home health team and physical therapists to assure the patient will have an appropriate place to return after surgery.