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Whitehall of Deerfield - Healthcare Center

Is elective orthopedic surgery right for me?

Some medical decisions are easy to address. When you have heart disease, cancer or a broken bone, there are procedures to treat these problems. But there are some other medical decisions like elective orthopedic surgery that are more challenging.

Elective orthopedic surgery is a procedure like a hip or knee replacement that can be planned in advance when both the doctor and patient feel the time is right. Many people live with painful arthritis for years using medications, injections and other methods to cope with the pain. Other people choose to have the surgery as soon as their quality of life is affected by pain.

For most people, being able to do every day activities like walking or climbing stairs without feeling pain is the major goal of choosing to have elective orthopedic surgery.

Outcome
The number of total joint replacement surgeries is increasing each year as new techniques are developed. Hip and knee replacements are among the most common elective orthopedic surgeries performed. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that 90 percent of the people undergoing total knee replacements experience less pain following surgery and that 95 percent of people undergoing hip replacement experience less pain following surgery. Since the goal is pain relief, these statistics are encouraging.

The replacement joints also continue to operate well after surgery. About 85 percent of knee replacements are still functioning after 10 years and about 90 percent of hip replacements are lasting at least 10 years, according to the AAOS.

Improving the outcome
Part of the decision to have elective orthopedic surgery is being willing to undergo a targeted program of physical therapy following the procedure. Replacing a joint is not as easy as replacing a light bulb. You must be willing to follow your doctor’s instructions and work with a physical therapist to have a successful outcome. For example, after knee replacement, there must be an effort to move the knee. The body reacts to surgery by forming scar tissue that can restrict movement. A therapist can help you move your knee just the right amount to keep it flexible. A new hip joint must also be effectively exercised to have the best results.

Choose quality of life
Deciding to have elective orthopedic surgery is a step toward improving your quality of life. If movement is painful and difficult, it is hard to keep a positive attitude. Instead of letting pain rule your life, take steps to overcome the pain through joint replacement surgery.

In addition to setting the date for the procedure, be sure to also plan for a time of rehabilitation for the fastest recovery possible. Whitehall of Deerfield has a long-standing reputation for providing the highest quality post-hospital rehabilitation in elegant surroundings.

The Elective Orthopedic Pavilion at Whitehall of Deerfield, exclusively for those recovering from elective orthopedic surgery, is the North Shore’s luxury destination for post-hospital rehabilitation. Whitehall of Deerfield’s Elective Orthopedic Pavilion offers a full range of therapies targeted to meet each guest’s individual needs. A clinical nurse liaison completes an assessment to discover areas that need attention. Then physical and occupational therapists work one-on-one with guests seven days a week. State-of-the-art rehabilitation gyms provide all the equipment needed to reach your highest level of independence and functioning. This consistent, attentive and compassionate care is provided by everyone from the concierge to the nursing staff.

Elective Orthopedic Pavilion guests also enjoy their own private rooms complete with attentive concierge service; an iPad or laptop computer available for personal use; daily newspaper, gourmet coffee and delicious snacks delivered to guest rooms each day; in-room dining with a wide range of menu choices; in-room massages available and many more world-class amenities.

There are few short-term rehabilitation centers that can come close to matching the luxury and level of expertise of Whitehall of Deerfield’s Elective Orthopedic Pavilion. To arrange a tour or to learn more, visit whitehallofdeerfield.com or call 847-945-4600.

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