CommonSpirit Mercy Orthopedics Associates
Hours
About
At CommonSpirit Mercy Orthopedics Associates, our highly skilled team of orthopedic experts provides personalized care designed to help you get back to doing what you love. We understand that orthopedic issues can significantly impact your daily life, and our approach focuses on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. This holistic approach ensures we address your individual needs and concerns, creating a comprehensive care plan that promotes optimal healing and recovery.
Whether you're dealing with a sports injury, arthritis, a fracture, or another orthopedic concern, we have a specialist with the precise expertise to diagnose and treat your condition effectively.
Our Services
Our practice features a wide range of subspecialties within orthopedics, and we work together to ensure you receive a seamless continuum of care. Our treatment options range from non-invasive office procedures to robotic-assisted total joint replacements, and we are proud to offer these services to the Four Corners region so you can receive the care you need close to home.
Hip & Knee
CommonSpirit Mercy Orthopedics Associates offers comprehensive orthopedic care for conditions that cause pain and other symptoms in the knee, hip, and pelvis. We are specialists in the replacement of major joints, including the knee and hip, and offer the option of robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery.
About Our Providers
Paige Mallette, MD is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in adult reconstruction surgery and hip and knee replacements. Dr. Mallette completed highly-specialized fellowship training at the esteemed Hoag Orthopedic Institute.
Dr. Mallette approaches each case with compassion and care, taking the time to listen to patients’ concerns, answer their questions, and create a personalized plan to get them back to living the pain-free life they deserve.
Previously, Dr. Mallette served as the clinical research coordinator for both the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and the Department of Orthopedics at Genzyme Corporation - Biosurgery and Diagnostics in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Matthew Smith, MD is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with Mercy Orthopedic Associates and Mercy Sports Medicine.
Dr. Smith specializes in sports injuries; hip, knee and shoulder joint replacement; and hip cartilage repairs and reconstruction.
Additionally, Dr. Smith specializes in repairing hip labral tears. He is the only physician in the Four Corners region who performs arthroscopic labral repairs as well as labral reconstructions of the hip. Dr. Smith uses a state-of-the-art postless traction table, which provides better positioning and access to the hip joint during surgery and allows him to better visualize and work on the hip joint.
Dr. Smith previously served as an assistant team physician for the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies as part of a fellowship with the Steadman Hawkins Clinic.
Hand & Wrist
Our hands and wrists play an important role in our everyday lives, but arthritis, trauma and repetitive movements can take their toll and lead to pain, stiffness and discomfort. We are here to help you improve hand function, reduce pain, and ensure you’re ready to catch whatever life throws your way.
About Our Providers
Gregory Grenier, DO, is a fellowship-trained and board-eligible orthopedic surgeon specializing in upper extremity conditions. He provides comprehensive care for a wide range of issues affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Dr. Grenier's expertise includes treating conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, bone spurs, and other orthopedic problems. He is committed to providing patients with straightforward, up-to-date, and evidence-based care.
Dr. Grenier earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California. He went on to complete his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience. He completed an orthopedic surgery residency at Ohio University and an orthopedic surgery fellowship at the Hand Center of San Antonio in Texas.
Outside of his practice, Dr. Grenier enjoys an active lifestyle, including trail running, hiking, paddleboarding, and biking. He also enjoys traveling with his wife and son, particularly motor home ski trips to various cities.
- Arthritis of the wrist and hand (including basilar joint thumb arthritis)
- Bursitis
- Carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome
- Chondrocalcinosis
- Cysts (ganglion, retinacular and mucous cysts)
- De Quervain's disease
- Dupuytren's contracture
- Fracture and injuries of the hand, wrist and fingers
- Hand ligament rupture
- Ligament tears
- Non-Unions and malunions of fractures
- Osteoarthritis of hand, fingers and wrist
- Peripheral nerve injuries and lacerations
- Radial tunnel syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ruptured or lacerated tendons
- Scaphoid fractures and wrist dislocations
- Tendon disorders
- Tendon injuries
- Tendonitis
- Trigger finger
We offer minimally-invasive treatments that allow for quick recovery times, as well as more advanced surgical procedures.
- Arthritic hand reconstruction
- Arthroscopic wrist surgery
- Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery
- De Quervain's release
- Endoscopic wrist surgery, TFCC surgery
- Fracture and/or dislocation treatment
- Fracture care
- Hand and wrist fracture and dislocation treatment
- Hand or wrist tendon transfer
- Minimally-Invasive surgeries
- On-site diagnostic imaging
- Percutaneous needle aponeurotomy
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections for tendon problems
- Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis
- Trigger finger release
- Wrist and finger joint fusion
- Wrist ligament reconstruction
Resources
Foot & Ankle
At CommonSpirit Mercy Orthopedics Associates, we focus on a collaborative approach to your foot and ankle health. We offer advanced surgical capabilities while focusing on injury prevention and nonsurgical treatment options when available.
About Our Providers
Braden Boyer, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle reconstruction. Dr. Boyer strongly believes in a collaborative approach to patient care, focusing on building a trusting relationship between the patient and their care team and honestly discussing each patient’s goals and treatment options. Dr. Boyer is passionate about orthopedic surgery while also placing high importance on the human connection and helping his patients achieve their health and functionality goals.
Dr. Boyer completed his undergraduate education at Brigham Young University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He went on to attend medical school at the University of Oklahoma and complete an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Texas - San Antonio and a fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center/Campbell Clinic.
Outside of his practice, Dr. Boyer stays active with fly fishing, biking, shooting and team sports. He also enjoys adventuring with his family, traveling and exploring new cultures.
Dr. Dan Stilwell, D.P.M., is a board-certified podiatrist at Mercy Orthopedic Associates’ Foot & Ankle Center.
Dr. Stilwell is a fifth-generation Durango native and second-generation podiatrist. He takes pride in continuing his family’s legacy in Durango, and sees his position as one of service to the community, literally working at the feet of his patients. Dr. Stilwell admits that his favorite part of podiatric medicine is its functional nature. Using a wide-range of sports medicine treatments and minimally invasive techniques, he is able to provide foot and ankle care that respects the active nature of Four Corners area residents.
Dr. Stilwell earned his doctor of podiatric medicine from the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California. He completed his residency in podiatric medicine and surgery in reconstructive rearfoot and ankle at the Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dr. Stilwell has been voted best podiatrist in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Best of Durango & La Plata County contest.
- Achilles tendon problems
- Ankle sprains
- Ankle and calcaneus (heel bone) fractures
- Arthritis
- Bunions
- Cartilage and Ligament Tears
- Charcot Arthropathy
- Diabetic Foot Diseases
- Hammer Toe and Other Toe Disorders
- Heel pain
- Heel spurs
- Midfoot fractures (including Jones and Lisfranc
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Shin splints
- Tendonitis
- Achilles Tendon Repair
- Ankle Fracture Treatment
- Ankle Replacement and Fusion
- Ankle and Other Foot Joint Arthroscopy
- Bunion Surgeries
- Charcot Reconstruction
- Deformity Correction
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Flatfoot Treatment
- Foot Fracture Treatment
- Foot and Ankle Ligament and Tendon Surgeries
- Ganglion Cyst Excision
- Hammertoe Surgery
- Ingrown Toenail Removal
- Ligament Reconstruction
- Lower Extremity Fracture Treatment
- Pediatric Disorder Treatment
- Tendon Repair and Transfer
- Tendoscopy and Foot and Ankle Specific Sports Medicine Procedures
- Venous Insufficiency
- Wounds of the Lower Extremity
Resources
Sports Medicine
We know that not every athletic injury occurs on the field, court or slopes. In fact, the majority of patients we see are dealing with chronic injuries to their hips, knees or shoulders that are preventing them from being as active as they would like.
We work together to care for athletes of all ages, abilities, and activity levels. Together, we’re able to manage most athletic injuries with a combination of non-surgical treatments. We strive to provide prompt access for all athletes, allowing for expedient diagnosis and treatment.
About Our Provider
Matthew Smith, M.D. is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with Mercy Orthopedic Associates and Mercy Sports Medicine.
Dr. Smith earned his medical degree from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine at Chicago and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Dr. Smith specializes in sports injuries, hip, knee and shoulder joint replacement, as well as, hip cartilage repairs and reconstruction.
Prior to joining Mercy, Dr. Smith worked as an assistant team physician for the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies as part of a fellowship with the Steadman Hawkins Clinic-Denver.
Sylvia Rozek, MD, CAQSM, believes in providing each patient with a full understanding and scope of their condition at their visit, by fully educating on all treatment options to ensure each patient has the tools needed to be an active and informed participant in their health and recovery journey. Dr. Rozek strives to treat every patient like family and believes there is nothing more satisfying than putting a smile on her patients’ faces and returning them to the lifestyle activities and sport activities they enjoy most.
Dr. Rozek earned her medical degree from Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, graduating from family medicine residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. She completed her sports medicine fellowship at Summa Health in Akron, OH.
Dr. Rozek comes to us with a vast experience in sports medicine; treating athletes from professional to amateur; being co-medical director for the Arnold Classic Worldwide Sports Festival, team physician for Men’s Rugby, and Women’s Soccer in OH.
As a sports medicine physician, Dr. Rozek provides non-surgical orthopedic care for acute and chronic issues, sports-related injuries; concussion care; ultrasound for MSK procedures; treating neuropathies; and much more.
Outside of work, Dr. Rozek is an outdoor enthusiast, biking, skiing, etc. She loves hiking with her dog and visiting family in Europe.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
- Concussion
- Dislocations
- Fractures
- Joint pain
- Knee, hip and shoulder cartilage injuries
- Meniscal tears
- Nerve compression injuries
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Arthroscopic diagnostics and repairs of joints and tendons
- Fixing fractures of most bones including clavicles, ankles, wrists, elbows
- Injection with PRP (platelet rich plasma)
- Injections with steroid or viscosupplementation
- Knee ligament repair or reconstruction
- Meniscus repairs
- Meniscus replacements
- Physical therapy
- Procedures to manage cartilage problems in the hip, knee or shoulder
- Repair of chronic ankle sprains
- Repair of dislocating patella (knee cap)
- Shoulder arthroscopy
- Sports performance
- Ultrasound guided injections of the hip and shoulder
Resources
Shoulder & Elbow
At CommonSpirit Mercy Orthopedics Associates, our fellowship-trained specialists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide spectrum of shoulder and elbow injuries and conditions. They have a deep understanding of the intricate anatomy and biomechanics of the shoulder and elbow, allowing them to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and goals.
About Our Providers
Gregory Grenier, DO, is a fellowship-trained and board-eligible orthopedic surgeon specializing in upper extremity conditions. He provides comprehensive care for a wide range of issues affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Dr. Grenier's expertise includes treating conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, bone spurs, and other orthopedic problems. He is committed to providing patients with straightforward, up-to-date, and evidence-based care.
Dr. Grenier earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California. He went on to complete his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience. He completed an orthopedic surgery residency at Ohio University and an orthopedic surgery fellowship at the Hand Center of San Antonio in Texas.
Outside of his practice, Dr. Grenier enjoys an active lifestyle, including trail running, hiking, paddleboarding, and biking. He also enjoys traveling with his wife and son, particularly motor home ski trips to various cities.
Matthew Smith, M.D. is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with Mercy Orthopedic Associates and Mercy Sports Medicine.
Dr. Smith earned his medical degree from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine at Chicago and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Dr. Smith specializes in sports injuries, hip, knee and shoulder joint replacement, as well as, hip cartilage repairs and reconstruction.
Prior to joining Mercy, Dr. Smith worked as an assistant team physician for the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies as part of a fellowship with the Steadman Hawkins Clinic-Denver.
- Arthritis of the elbow
- Arthritis of the shoulder
- Elbow bursitis
- Elbow fractures
- Elbow injuries
- Elbow sprain
- Lateral and medial epicondylitis (tennis and golf elbow)
- Labral and biceps pain
- Ligament injuries
- Osteoarthritis of shoulder
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Rotator cuff tear
- Tendon tears around the elbow
- Unstable shoulders
- Anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement
- Arthroscopic labrum repair
- Arthroscopic shoulder reconstruction
- Arthroscopic shoulder surgery
- Arthroscopic and open rotator cuff repair
- Elbow arthroscopy
- Elbow fracture and dislocation treatment
- Elbow ligament reconstruction
- Elbow surgery
- Elbow Tenotomy - note spelling change
- Labral repair
- Partial shoulder replacement
- Repairs of fracture
- Revision of shoulder or elbow replacement
- Rotator cuff surgery, including arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, primary and revision surgeries
- Repair of tendon tears around the elbow
- Shoulder or elbow replacement procedures
- Shoulder stabilization procedures
- Shoulder cartilage treatment
- Shoulder fracture and dislocation treatment
- Shoulder surgery
- Total shoulder replacement
- Treatment of adhesive capsulitis
Resources
Bone Health
Our Bone Health team aims to help patients understand and improve their bone health while minimizing their risk for fractures. We provide patients with individualized plans for improving bone health that incorporate aspects of diet, supplements, exercise, fall prevention, and home safety.
We facilitate comprehensive evaluation with bone mineral density scans (DEXA) and laboratory testing. We also initiate and manage treatment with medications when necessary. Our goal is to prevent bone fractures and to help our patients live longer, more independent, and higher-quality lives at home.
About Our Providers
Clayton LaBaume graduated from the Texas Tech physician assistant program in 2008. With his experience in neurosurgery, orthopedic spine surgery, and general orthopedics, he developed a special interest in bone health and fracture prevention. Clayton and his wife have lived in Durango since 2010 and they enjoy the outdoor life that the area provides.
Lauren Clewley joined the CommonSpirit Orthopedic Mercy team in October 2019.
Lauren is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed in Colorado.
She received her Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina.
- Fragility fractures
- Osteoporosis
- Osteopenia
- Facilitated diagnostic bone density testing
- Facilitated laboratory testing
- Fracture repair
Resources
Robotic Joint Replacements
Robotic surgery uses technology to improve accuracy and precision during knee replacement. At CommonSpirit Mercy Orthopedics we offer two types of robotic knee replacement: one that utilizes CT planning to create a 3D model of the patient’s anatomy along with robotic arm guidance and precision, and one that offers CT-free guidance and the ability to choose nickel-free implants. We are the only area facility to offer multiple options in robotic joint replacement.
About Our Providers
Paige R. Mallette, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in total joint arthroplasty, including hip replacements and knee replacements.
Prior to earning her medical degree from the University of Colorado at Denver, Dr. Mallette graduated with distinction from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in biochemistry. She received her orthopedics and sports medicine training from the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Mallette completed a highly-specialized fellowship in adult reconstruction and joint replacement at Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Orange, California. Dr. Mallette has also received advanced education from the DePuy Synthes Institute in Chicago, and continues to advance her skills performing hip replacements and knee replacements in Durango, Colorado.
Dr. Mallette has participated in several orthopedic clinical research and basic science research projects in association with the University of Washington, the University of Colorado, and Massachusetts General Hospital’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery. In addition, she has co-authored several scientific articles and participated in many medical presentations. She is a previous member of the Ruth Jackson Orthopedic Society, a professional group for female orthopedic surgeons.
Previously, Dr. Mallette served as the clinical research coordinator for both the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and the Department of Orthopedics at Genzyme Corporation - Biosurgery and Diagnostics in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Dr. Mallette enjoys skiing, sailing and hiking.
Matthew Smith, M.D. is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with Mercy Orthopedic Associates and Mercy Sports Medicine.
Dr. Smith earned his medical degree from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine at Chicago and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Dr. Smith specializes in sports injuries, hip, knee and shoulder joint replacement, as well as, hip cartilage repairs and reconstruction.
Prior to joining Mercy, Dr. Smith worked as an assistant team physician for the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies as part of a fellowship with the Steadman Hawkins Clinic-Denver.
- Severe knee pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteonecrosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Post-traumatic degenerative joint disease
- Robotic assisted partial and complete knee replacements (arthroplasty)
- Robotic Assisted knee replacement (arthroplasty)
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to examine, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. Instead of making a large incision, the surgeon makes only a few small incisions (typically less than a centimeter in length). Through these incisions, a thin, pencil-like instrument called an arthroscope is inserted.
The arthroscope contains a small camera and a light source, allowing the surgeon to view the inside of the joint on a monitor. This provides a clear, magnified view of the joint's structures, including cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and the joint lining. The surgeon can also insert small surgical instruments through additional small incisions to perform various procedures during the same arthroscopic procedure.
About Our Providers
Matthew Smith, M.D. is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with Mercy Orthopedic Associates and Mercy Sports Medicine.
Dr. Smith earned his medical degree from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine at Chicago and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Dr. Smith specializes in sports injuries, hip, knee and shoulder joint replacement, as well as, hip cartilage repairs and reconstruction.
Prior to joining Mercy, Dr. Smith worked as an assistant team physician for the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies as part of a fellowship with the Steadman Hawkins Clinic-Denver.
Minimally-Invasive Tendon Repair
Our non-surgical sports medicine physician offers minimally invasive tendon repair. High-pressure saline is used to remove damaged tendon tissue and preserve healthy tissue. We are the only office in the Four Corners region to offer this therapy, which leads to significant pain relief within months of treatment.
About Our Providers
Sylvia Rozek, MD, CAQSM, believes in providing each patient with a full understanding and scope of their condition at their visit, by fully educating on all treatment options to ensure each patient has the tools needed to be an active and informed participant in their health and recovery journey. Dr. Rozek strives to treat every patient like family and believes there is nothing more satisfying than putting a smile on her patients’ faces and returning them to the lifestyle activities and sport activities they enjoy most.
Dr. Rozek earned her medical degree from Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, graduating from family medicine residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. She completed her sports medicine fellowship at Summa Health in Akron, OH.
Dr. Rozek comes to us with a vast experience in sports medicine; treating athletes from professional to amateur; being co-medical director for the Arnold Classic Worldwide Sports Festival, team physician for Men’s Rugby, and Women’s Soccer in OH.
As a sports medicine physician, Dr. Rozek provides non-surgical orthopedic care for acute and chronic issues, sports-related injuries; concussion care; ultrasound for MSK procedures; treating neuropathies; and much more.
Outside of work, Dr. Rozek is an outdoor enthusiast, biking, skiing, etc. She loves hiking with her dog and visiting family in Europe.
- Chronic tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Tendinosis
- Tennis elbow
We offer an option to care for tendinosis and other tendon issues by targeting the source of chronic tendon pain, using patented technology that utilizes fluid dynamics to pull only the degenerative, tendinopathic tissue into the cutting window, where it is evacuated instantaneously. This procedure is performed in the office, guided by an ultrasound. The surgical site can be easily closed with a bandage and, in most cases, will not require sutures.
Providers
Patient Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
You will arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment. The length of the check in process depends on several factors including whether you have been a patient within CommonSpirit before.
Forms you may be asked to complete may include the New Patient packet, the Extremity Pain sheet, and the Review of Systems form.
Our staff may also need to collect your vital signs, height, weight, and possibly order x-rays. We will probably also ask several questions including:
- How long has this been bothering you?
- Can you describe the pain?
- What have you tried for the pain?
- If your pain is bilateral, which side is worse?
- Have you been treated for this issue previously?
The clinical support staff and the provider work as a team. You will discuss details of your concerns with the provider, receive a thorough exam, review x-rays with them and discuss your treatment options.
Treatment recommendations sometimes include both nonsurgical and surgical options. Advanced imaging (such as an MRI or CT scan), physical therapy, and pharmacy services can be initiated at that time.
If needed, surgery scheduling and authorizations will be handled by our office as well.
The decision to move forward with surgery can be complex and typically considers multiple factors. A very important first step is, of course, an accurate diagnosis. We can typically address many orthopedic problems with nonsurgical treatments. When those treatments fail, however, we often consider surgery. You should always consider the risks and benefits of the surgery as well as your desired activity level. This important discussion regarding whether to pursue surgery will take place between you and your surgeon.
Our surgery scheduler will call you to schedule your surgery. If you wish, you may initiate scheduling the surgery at your convenience. Our surgery scheduler will offer you days that your surgical team is available in the operating room. The type of surgery (urgent, elective, inpatient, or outpatient) will affect the availability of your surgical team as well. The surgery scheduler will also arrange your preoperative and postoperative appointments.
- Phone: 970-764-9423
Our authorization team will request authorization from your insurance company if needed. Our financial clearance team will contact the patient to discuss financial responsibilities.
- Phone: 970-764-2380
Our operating room nursing staff will call you with questions about your health history prior to your surgery. You will also receive a phone call the day prior to your surgery day to confirm your arrival time. On rare occasion, the time of your surgery may change (due to emergency cases or equipment availability).
Both of our surgery locations are on the Mercy Hospital campus. You will be directed to go to the main operating room (1010 Three Springs Blvd) or our outpatient surgery center (1 Mercado St Suite 210). If you need to reach either location, contact the hospital to be connected to them.
Phone: 970-247-4311
The outpatient surgery center is for patients coming in and going home on the same day as their surgery. It provides a high-quality cost-effective option for patients. Our surgeons and medical professionals have decades of experience treating patients and we are committed to providing a seamless surgical experience while focusing on quality and safety.
The state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center provides comprehensive orthopedic care for patients needing sports medicine, fracture care, hand, shoulder, knee, foot, and ankle surgery, in addition to other surgical specialties. There are six preoperative bays with personal nursing attention, three operating rooms, four postoperative bays, and a comfortable waiting room with television and a coffee station for families. We work with board certified anesthesiologists.
Our safe, modern surgery center features equipment such as high definition camera chip technology for arthroscopic procedures which enables surgeons to see clearly and deliver the best possible care for their patients. There is convenient access to an on-campus retail pharmacy for discharge prescriptions as well as wi-fi access, free parking, full service cafeteria, and gift shop.
Your postoperative experience will largely depend on the surgery that you had. If you are having a hip or knee replacement you will receive a 3-ring notebook before your surgery that details your experience. In brief, most hip and knee replacement patient spend one night in the hospital after their surgery.
Typically, in the hours after your surgery, the therapists will help you get out of bed and walk. Walking early after surgery is very important as it minimizes your risk of developing blood clots or other serious complications. The morning after your surgery, the therapists will work with you again to make sure you are getting around safely and are able to do all the necessary activities to function at home (e.g. walking up and down stairs, getting in and out of bed or on and off toilet).
Patients who go directly home after surgery rather than a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility often achieve a faster recovery and are at a lower risk of adverse events such as readmission to the hospital, infection, or wound healing problems.
It is important for you to have a postoperative plan for your recovery before you have surgery. You should prepare your home so that the transition from the hospital is as easy as possible. Ideas for this include preparing meals in advance, removing clutter or furniture that would be in the way of a walker, and placing useful supplies in areas that are easy to access.
You will be started on a multimodal pain regiment before you are discharged from the hospital and it is very helpful to continue to utilize the medications to minimize your narcotic usage. It is very common to have difficulty sleeping after a joint replacement. It can help to take your pain medication an hour before bed to achieve better comfort while trying to sleep.
Your incision will take about two weeks to heal. You should not need to perform any wound care as the incision will be covered with a waterproof dressing that allows you to shower normally over the dressing.
After a knee replacement, it is critical to work on your range of motion and you will be seeing an outpatient physical therapist two to three times per week initially with the goal of getting your leg completely straight and regaining enough bend in your knee to sit and take the stairs easily. It is very important to work on your range of motion early after your surgery to avoid a stiff knee. It can take several weeks to months to achieve your maximum motion.
After a hip replacement, your best exercise is walking. Physical therapy isn’t usually necessary unless you are having difficulty transitioning from assistive devices (cane, walker, etc.). Many patients are no longer using these devices when they return to see their surgeon two weeks after surgery.
Driving after surgery depends on which side was operated on and whether you are taking prescription pain medication. This will be discussed with your provider at your first post op visit.
If you have a history of smoking or other tobacco use it is critical that you are no longer using any nicotine products before or after your surgery as it can significantly impair your body’s ability to heal your wounds and cause other major, even life threatening, complications.
