Innovation Leads to Success for Joint Replacement Program

The first ever total knee replacement surgery was performed in 1968, starting a movement for total joint replacement surgeries that became widespread in the 1970s. The effectiveness of total knee and hip replacement surgeries has greatly increased with advances and improvements in techniques, implant designs and surgical materials.

Samaritan Albany General Hospital has performed joint replacements for more than four decades. About 15 years ago the hospital created Samaritan Health Service’s first total joint replacement program. The innovative program was modeled after a plan used at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. The goal of the new program was clear: improve patient care by emphasizing a total team approach to the joint replacement process.

According to the College of Rheumatology, the demand for total knee and hip replacements has been steadily increasing, with approximately 790,000 total knee replacements and more than 450,000 hip replacements performed annually in the U.S. The increasing demand can mostly be attributed to the aging population.

Looking back, a lot has changed for the better in the recovery process. In 1975, the average knee surgery patient stayed at the hospital for up to four weeks to recover. Even as recently as the past decade there have been significant transformations to Albany’s joint program.

“We’ve seen a huge shift from patients staying three nights for hip replacements and two nights for knee surgeries, but now most patients go home the same day,” said Misty Samard, Total Joint Replacement Program coordinator at Samaritan Albany General Hospital.

Surgical improvements such as smaller skin incisions and advances in pain management have played a huge role in earlier discharge and recovery times.

“We used to utilize general anesthesia and now we typically use spinal anesthesia that allows patients the ability to stand and move just hours after surgery,” said Samard. “This allows them to return home and go back to normal daily activities sooner.”

At the foundation of the program is a special class designed to provide patients with thorough information on every aspect of the joint replacement journey — from check-in through surgery and into rehabilitation services. Samard shared, “Our goal is to make the entire process as smooth as possible for our patients. The class prepares them on what to expect during their hospital stay and helps reduce their anxiety.”

The program features a collaborative approach with a multidisciplinary team of experts — orthopedic surgeons, joint care nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and more — who ensure patients receive personalized, high-quality and comprehensive care. The program aims to provide patients with a successful outcome through an individualized, well-supported and guided recovery process.

“Our program gives patients their lives back and gives them hope and a goal to reach for — like being pain-free and active again. It helps them regain their independence,” said Samard.

A major milestone for the program was its accreditation as a DNV GL Healthcare-certified Hip and Knee Replacement Center in 2020; only one of four hospitals in the state to receive this recognition.

“Receiving the DNV certification was very significant for the program. It was a huge collaboration to even put the program and pieces together,” said Samard.

The program’s reputation for excellence has attracted patients throughout the region. Samard actively seeks feedback from every patient, ensuring continuous improvement. She noted, “We continually adjust things to improve the program,” emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to evolving to meet the changing needs of its patients.

Learn more about total joint replacement at Samaritan Albany General Hospital at samhealth.org/JointReplacement.

Watch for more articles about Samaritan Albany General Hospital as we celebrate 100 years of service to the mid-Willamette Valley.