Chattanooga Total joint Replacement Specialists: Same Day Total Joint Replacement

Consultation Appointment

Same day total joint replacement begins with a comprehensive evaluation by one of our fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons. During your appointment, we will review your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and activity goals to determine if same-day joint replacement is right for you. We’ll also discuss your procedure options, answer questions, and create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your needs.

Imaging

Advanced imaging studies, including X-rays and, in some cases, CT scans or MRI imaging, help your surgeon evaluate the condition of your joint and plan your procedure with precision. Imaging also helps determine the best surgical approach and implant selection for optimal outcomes.

Pre-Op Education

Prior to surgery, patients receive detailed education about what to expect before, during, and after their procedure. This includes information about:

• Preparing your home for recovery
• What to bring on surgery day
• Mobility and walking expectations
• Physical therapy preparation
• Post-operative care instructions
• Recovery timelines and milestones

Our team will ensure you feel informed, confident, and prepared leading up to surgery.

Medical Clearance

To help ensure your safety, some patients may require medical clearance from their primary care physician or specialists before surgery. Pre-operative testing may include lab work, EKGs, or additional evaluations depending on your medical history and overall health.

Arrival Process

On the day of surgery, you will arrive at our surgery center where our team will guide you through the check-in process and prepare you for your procedure. You will meet with your surgical team, anesthesia providers, and nursing staff to review your care plan and answer any last-minute questions.

Procedure

Your surgeon will perform your joint replacement using advanced surgical techniques designed to minimize pain, reduce tissue disruption, and support faster recovery. Depending on your procedure, this may include minimally invasive approaches, muscle-sparing techniques, or robotic-assisted technology.

Walking the Same Day

One of the key benefits of same-day joint replacement is early mobility. Most patients begin standing and walking with assistance shortly after surgery. Early movement helps improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and support a smoother recovery process.

Discharge

Once you are medically stable, comfortable, and safely able to walk and perform basic mobility tasks, you will return home the same day with a personalized recovery plan and detailed post-operative instructions. Patients are discharged with support resources and direct access to our care team should questions arise during recovery.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays an important role in regaining strength, mobility, and function after joint replacement surgery. Your recovery plan may include home exercises, outpatient therapy, or guided rehabilitation programs tailored to your procedure and goals.

Pain Management

Our team utilizes a comprehensive, multimodal pain management approach designed to maximize comfort while minimizing opioid use whenever possible. This may include medications, nerve blocks, ice therapy, activity recommendations, and other recovery tools to help manage discomfort effectively.

Follow-Up Visits

You will have scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor healing, assess progress, and ensure your recovery is progressing as expected. These visits also provide an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns throughout the healing process.

Return-to-Activity Expectations

Recovery timelines vary depending on the patient and procedure, but many patients are able to return to daily activities, walking, and low-impact exercise within weeks of surgery. Our goal is to help you safely return to the activities you enjoy with improved mobility, reduced pain, and greater quality of life.