From the March 2010 Senior Circle publication 
Get back to living
The patient’s on Porter’s 3 West Orthopedic Unit are not sick. In fact, they’ve chosen to come to Porter for joint replacement procedures to begin living more active lives. “We’re seeing more people choosing to have joint replacement surgery. They’re just not content to live with joint pain,” said Maureen Hughes, Director of Porter’s Joint Camp.
The Camp concept helps patients recover quickly and resume active lifestyles. The healing process actually begins weeks before surgery when patients visit Porter for their pre-operative work. Patients bring along a “coach,” a friend, family member, or volunteer who will help with the patient’s recovery. Together, “camper” and “coach” attend a pre-op class to learn what to expect from surgery and recovery. They meet with representatives from nursing, dietary, physical and occupational therapy to learn exercises that help them prepare for surgery and speed recovery.
Following surgery, patients are admitted directly to Joint Camp – 3-West at Porter’s Valparaiso Hospital Campus – where they stay for up to three days. “Some folks are moving on the same day as surgery. Others wait until the next morning. We accommodate each patient. They may begin with bedside therapy but work toward group therapy. It helps patients to cheer each other on and support progress,” said Hughes.
“Joint Camp is proven in that it helps patients to prepare and to recover more quickly,” said Hughes. “Typically patients who have surgery on Monday can go home Tuesday or Wednesday. The camp concept helps people to literally get back on their feet and get back to their lives,” she said.
- Joint replacement is the most common surgery in the United States
- 70% of joint replacements are performed because arthritis has caused pain in daily living
- For every pound you gain, you increase the pressure on your hips six fold
- 3rd floor is the location of Porter's innovative Joint Camp
- 500+ joint replacements were performed at Porter in 2009