Joint Camp

with John Kroner, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia St. Mary’s

Posted: April 1, 2004

It’s April, and while kids are filling out forms and signing up for summer camp, their grandmothers and grandfathers may be signing up for a different kind of camp — Joint Camp at Columbia St. Mary’s.

While participants in Joint Camp may not have the same marshmallow-roasting opportunities as the younger set, they will leave the camp with the promise of a better recovery from their knee- or hip-replacement surgery. And for those who need a hip or knee replacement, that promise is sweeter than any s’more.

John Kroner, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia St. Mary's "Participants encounter people at various stages of the process, and they have the opportunity to talk to others and ask questions. This has a way of allaying fear."

What is Joint Camp?
The goal of Joint Camp is to help participants return to normal activities after surgery and to reduce and better manage pain. Joint Camp is wellness-oriented and involves its patients as active participants in their hospitalization and recovery. The program begins in the doctor’s office once a participant has made the decision to have surgery. The doctor will address concerns, answer questions and give the patient a Joint Camp workbook. The workbook includes a wealth of information on what to expect before, during and after the surgery.

Several weeks before surgery, a patient and his or her coach (a relative or friend) attend classes designed to help prepare for the hospital stay and plan for a safe return home.

John Kroner, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon who practices at Columbia St. Mary’s, can see the many benefits Joint Camp provides his patients. “Joint Camp does an excellent job of educating people beforehand about what they should expect with a knee or hip replacement,” he said.

Orthopaedic nurses and therapists teach the classes and welcome questions and discussion. Patients learn from the nurses and therapists about what to expect so that they are well prepared for discharge.

Individual needs assessed
“Each individual person has something in their life situation that will add a different angle to the surgery,” Dr. Kroner said. “Patients are interviewed by nurses and therapists so that arrangements for care can be made for after surgery.”

Some patients, for example, have family and friends in town that will be able to help them after their surgery. Others, however, might need outpatient, home health, or rehab services while they recover.

During the hospital stay, a dedicated team of orthopaedic professionals provides patients with excellent care so they quickly regain strength and mobility. Patients will participate in individual therapy sessions, as well as group activities. Coaches are encouraged to participate in the hospital rehabilitation process so that they have a better idea of how to help the patient at home.

Most patients have a three- to four-day hospital stay. This is down from the seven- to 10- day average 10 years ago. Before discharge from the hospital the patient and his or her coach will receive complete instructions on medications, follow-up care, and the exercise and therapy program.

After surgery
After a patient returns home, Joint Camp staff members follow up with patients to address any concerns and to make sure patients are progressing toward their goals. Knee replacement patients continue to see a physical therapist after discharge.

Dr. Kroner has seen an enormous change in the level of patient understanding of the joint replacement process since Joint Camp was developed, just under two years ago.

“Patients understand so much more now,” he said. “There is no question that Joint Camp has helped people recover faster. They know what to expect and they’re more cooperative. In the past, if they felt discomfort, they were so afraid they were doing harm. Now, they understand that certain things will be uncomfortable.”

Dr. Kroner added that participants in Joint Camp often meet for luncheons and picnics after their surgeries to keep in contact with one another and share success stories.

“Having a joint replacement is a big step in a patient’s life. The main benefit of Joint Camp is it makes being a patient easier. And that makes my job easier, too,” he said.

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