Orthopedic care at Sanford USD Medical Center has taken steps in providing service to patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery. We are excited to introduce the Center for Joint Success to you.

The center provides care for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery in an environment that promotes wellness, patient and family education and encourages early rehabilitation. Following group and individual physical and occupational therapy, patients are usually ready for discharge within three (3) days following their surgery.

The "Total Joint Team" has carefully developed a plan for your care. This means that orthopedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, nutritionists and representatives from the hospital services all work together to provide you with quality medical care.

Your "Coach" plays a very important part in your surgery and recovery. This person should be a spouse, relative, significant other or friend who will be able to help you throughout your surgery period. This person should come with you to your appointments before your surgery, be able to help you while you are in the hospital and will be able to help you at home and throughout your recovery. Please select someone who can assist you through all of these phases of the joint program.

"Coach" responsibilities:

• attend the 2 hours pre-op education class with the patient
• assist with learning your pre-op exercises
• participate in patient cares and therapies in the hospital
• stay with the patient for 72 hours after discharge from the hospital

A "coach" will not be expected to lift or carry you, only help direct, or instruct or remind you.

Having a coach to help you through this experience is very valuable and helps to promote success. We encourage and support the use of a “coach” for all total joint patients. A schedule of your activities will be shared with your coach.


Joint Program Scheduling
After your surgeon schedules your surgery at Sanford USD Medical Center, you will receive a packet of information. This will include the dates you are to attend the pre-op class and your surgery date, as well as the pre-admission registration form to return to Sanford USD Medical Center as soon as you can. Please call the Center for Joint Success at 605-328-5191 if you have any questions.

Ath the Center for Joint Success pre-op class for joint replacement the RN Case Manager will provide information about your total joint replacement surgery. This session will focus on:  

• Preparations for surgery 
• What to expect in the hospital after your operation
• Instructions and plans for leaving the hospital
• PLEASE BRING ALL MEDICATIONS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY TAKING, in their bottles to the class, both prescription and non-prescription medications, including eye drops, inhalers, vitamins, herbal medication, etc.

This information is provided by a team that includes nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy and Sanford Outpatient Therapy are available for making follow-up appointments.

This class helps you prepare for your procedure and gives you the opportunity to ask questions. The class session is approximately 2 hours in length. We encourage you to bring your "Coach" to this session. Please feel free to ask any questions you have regarding your surgery, your hospital stay, or home care needs.

For more information about the Center for Joint Success class, please call 328-2601, Option #1.


Pre-Operative Physical Therapy (PT)/Occupational Therapy (OT) Evaluation and Pre-Conditioning Class

• Teaching you exercises that your surgeon wants you to do before and after your surgery
• Providing you with information regarding your rehabilitation before and after your surgery.
• Familiarize you with Sanford Outpatient Rehabilitation and the staff that may be working with you after your hospitalization.