Joint Journey
Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery and Recovery
The Joint Journey at Mercy offers comprehensive education, resources and support to optimize recovery from major replacement surgery, including hip, knee and shoulder replacement.
Hip and Knee Joint Journey Program at Mercy
Mercy offers the Hip and Knee Joint Journey program for patients considering joint replacement surgery. The program is specifically dedicated to providing hip and knee replacement patients with exceptional clinical care and comfort throughout the joint replacement process. The program provides patients with the information, support and resources needed to recover as quickly and comfortably as possible.
Experienced Baltimore-Area Orthopedic Joint Replacement Surgeons
Mercy has been recognized as a regional and national leader in orthopedics. Mercy's experienced and talented team of orthopedic surgeons have decades of experience performing thousands of joint replacement surgeries using the latest advanced techniques. Together with physician assistants, nurses, and therapists who are specially trained in hip and knee joint replacement surgery, they provide compassionate, top quality care to patients looking forward to resuming their daily activities.
Mercy Orthopedic Joint Replacement Surgeons
- Marc Hungerford, M.D., Chief, Division of Orthopedics at Mercy
- Joseph Ciotola, M.D.
- Kamala Littleton, M.D.
- Gregory Mendez, M.D.
- Philip Neubauer, M.D.
Providing Care Throughout Central Maryland
Mercy orthopedic joint replacement surgeons see patients at several convenient locations throughout Greater Baltimore and the Eastern Shore.
Who is a candidate for Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery?
Hip and knee replacement surgery is generally an option for patients who have used medications, physical therapy, walking aids and other means to relieve their pain with little to no improvement. This includes patients who suffer from:
- Avascular necrosis
- Injuries to the hip or knee
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Types of Replacement Surgeries Performed
Mercy's orthopedic joint replacement surgeons create individualized treatment plans for each patient to relieve pain and restore function. This may include recommending joint replacement surgery.
Hip Replacement Surgeries
Knee Replacement Surgeries
Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery
The Hip and Knee Joint Journey program assists patients throughout the entire treatment process. Each patient receives a Joint Navigation Journal, which explains the entire journey from pre-operative care to surgery to post-surgical follow-up.
Mercy's program includes a dedicated Joint Program Director, who helps patients navigate their care, including answering questions and coordinating both pre-operative care and discharge planning.
Pre-Operative Patient Education
The program incorporates both pre-operative in-person classes as well as online modules to provide patients and their caregivers with a comprehensive overview of what they will encounter before, during and after their joint replacement surgery. The education and pre-surgical preparation can optimize the recovery period and help patients feel more prepared when they are discharged. Some of the topics covered include:
- How the surgery is performed
- What to expect during the hospital stay
- Pain management and anesthesia
- Safe home recovery
Top Baltimore Hospital for Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery
Depending on the severity and complexity of the hip or knee replacement surgery, patients may be discharged to their home the same day. Patients who require an overnight stay will recover in Mercy's award-winning Mary Catherine Bunting Center, which includes a dedicated unit for orthopedic patients. It is also home to the Joint Gym, an on-site rehabilitation area where patients receive both physical and occupational therapy. Nurses on this unit are specially trained to work with patients recovering from shoulder replacement surgery.
Following discharge, patients and caregivers are encouraged to contact the Joint Journey Hip and Knee Program Director for any questions or concerns.
