Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Leading the Way in Dedicated, Multidisciplinary Joint Replacement and Rapid,
Active Rehabilitation.

Baptist Beaches is home to the Center for Joint Replacement, a unique, dedicated program based on nationally recognized best practices. In addition to corrective surgery, the emphasis of the program is on active, mobile recovery.

At the Center, small groups of participants who are undergoing surgery to replace hips or knees affected by trauma or arthritis are taken through a highly structured, proven process– from pre-surgical education and surgery, to recovery, rehabilitation and discharge. Our philosophy of involving participants in the process from the beginning helps make joint replacement a positive, transformative experience. Our team of orthopaedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, certified nurse aides, physical therapists, clinical pharmacists, social workers and care managers work together to create care plans tailored to meet the individual’s needs and are backed by the latest technology.

Prior to surgery, patients attend a two-hour class that explains the surgery and provides education about the exercises they need to perform before and after joint replacement. A friend or family member attends as well to learn how to serve as a coach and assist the patient during recovery. Trained volunteers are provided for patients who do not have a coach.

Each patient also receives a guidebook that directs them through the process from six weeks before surgery to three months afterward. The guidebook goes to all physician, hospital and physical therapy appointments so providers can make progress notes and coordinate care. The book also provides photos and detailed instructions about appropriate exercises before and after surgery.

The Center provides 16 dedicated, private rooms for patients receiving primary hip or knee replacements, as well as large physical therapy rooms for group exercise sessions and meals. Such group activity and socialization is found to help promote recovery. Patients typically begin walking and participating in physical therapy on the second day and sent home on day three or four. Many "graduates" of the program can attest to its effectiveness especially Intracoastal resident Lynn Huff. Read his story to learn more about the rapid recovery approach of our program.

In this atmosphere of mutual support and intense rehabilitation, Joint Center participants typically experience shorter hospital stays, achieve mobility sooner and have speedier recoveries than in traditional surgical settings. Patients support each other, make new friends and have better outcomes. Participants who need additional help following surgery, such as outpatient care, home health or rehab services, will be assisted by our program coordinator.

If you have any questions or would like to receive more information, please call our Joint Center Coordinator at 904.627.3129.