Outpatient Joint Replacement

Outpatient joint replacement surgery isn't for everyone, but an evolution in patient demographics indicates that the number of candidates appropriate for outpatient options is on the rise.

“When we started in practice,” explains Dr. Hartman, “the average age of a patient having an arthroplasty or joint replacement was late 60s through the 70s. We continue to treat older patients but we are also seeing joint replacement patients in their late 40s and 50s. These younger patients are ideal candidates because they typically don’t have health issues that would crop up after surgery. Our patients tend to be informed, willing individuals who have done their research and are committed to the outpatient surgery process.”

Joint Replacement for the Young & Active

Good candidates for outpatient surgery are active, in relatively good health, have a family support system, an appropriate BMI and no major infections, diseases, pacemakers or health complications. Patients who are not appropriate candidates include those with any cardiac risk, a pacemaker or a lung problem that may require a respiratory therapist or cardiologist.

With progressive outpatient treatments comes careful evaluation to accept only appropriate patients. “Just because you have a hammer doesn’t mean that everything is a nail,” says Dr. Hartman. “We don’t push the envelope, even in today’s medical climate, where patients are more demanding. In years gone by, patients had to be 65 years old, and they had to jump through certain qualifying hoops in order to have a knee replacement. Today, people are younger, more active and less tolerant of disability. They have access to the Internet. They know what technology is out there, and they can pressure surgeons to push the envelope. But like anything else, you have to understand the limitations. Outpatient surgey is not for everyone.”