
Outpatient joint replacement, also known as same day joint replacement, is a safe and great option for many patients who prefer to recover in the comfort of their own home.
Dr. William F. Tucker, Jr., a board certified joint replacement specialist with over 25 years of experience. He offers procedures like anterior hip replacement, robotic knee replacement, and minimally invasive knee replacement as both outpatient and inpatient procedures, depending on patients’ needs. In the right candidates, there are several benefits to outpatient joint replacement.
What are the benefits of outpatient joint replacement?
Dr. Tucker believes that the less time patients spend in a hospital setting, the better. He and his team encourage patients to return home as soon as possible after surgery.
While hospitals do everything that they can to prevent the spread of infection, they do take care of sick people, so the risk of infection increases the longer patients remain in the hospital. Therefore, spending less time in the hospital lowers the risk of complications and helps speed recovery.
Returning home the day of surgery can also provide cost savings by avoiding the expenses associated with an overnight hospital stay.
Who is eligible for outpatient joint replacement?
Younger, active, medically fit patients are typically eligible for outpatient joint replacement.
Patients who have a preexisting health condition may require an overnight hospital stay for monitoring after the procedure.
Dr. Tucker will not recommend same day surgery unless he feels it is best for the patient.
What outpatient joint replacement procedures does Dr. Tucker offer?
Dr. Tucker performs anterior hip replacement, robotic knee replacement, and minimally invasive, quadriceps sparing knee replacement.
Dr. Tucker utilizes both hospitals and outpatient surgical centers for outpatient joint replacement. He is affiliated with the following hospitals and health systems:
How does outpatient joint replacement differ from inpatient surgery?
Patients who have outpatient joint replacement typically have less anesthesia due to advanced pain control methods. Patients are also up and moving sooner after surgery, which can lead to a quicker recovery.
What should patients do to prepare for outpatient joint replacement?
Before outpatient joint replacement, patients need to ensure they are medically fit and ready to begin physical therapy the day after surgery.
Patients need to see their primary care provider for lab work and a medical checkup before surgery. Our office can arrange for you to see one of our medical doctors before surgery if needed. Patients should complete any necessary medical or dental procedures before proceeding with hip replacement.
Patients will also need to ensure they have someone to drive them home from surgery and to physical therapy appointments and may need some assistance getting around at home early after surgery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement in Dallas, TX
William F. Tucker, Jr., MD, is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in hip and knee replacement and is fellowship trained in Adult Joint Reconstruction. Dr. Tucker is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.
Outpatient joint replacement is one of the options Dr. Tucker offers to patients to improve upon the results of more traditional surgical methods. He and his team provide a personalized patient care experience.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tucker, please call our office at (469) 291-1511.