Pullman Regional Hospital

JOINT REPLACEMENT

Common Questions

We compiled a list of the top ten things you should know about knee replacement surgery.

Learn More

Preparation Class

Take our joint replacement preparation class to help you feel prepared for surgery and recovery.

Attend

Recovery Timeline

Planning a knee replacement surgery? Download our free recovery timeline for more information.

Download Now

Types of Joint Replacements

Total knee replacements are the most common type of joint replacement surgery performed at Pullman Regional Hospital, with cases more than doubling between 2011-2015. If you have dealt with knee arthritis and joint pain and are ready to get back to your day-to-day activities, you may consider talking to your physician about a total knee replacement surgery. Total knee replacement, also called “arthroplasty” is a surgical procedure to repair a knee damaged by osteoarthritis, or a severe injury to the joint. The process involves resurfacing the bone ends of the joint with artificial parts made of both stainless steel and plastic. Recovery for a total knee replacement lasts several months and includes physical therapy, medication, use of support equipment, and rest. After several months of recovery, most knee replacement patients report dramatic improvements in knee pain and ability to return to normal activities. Want to learn more? Read 10 Common Questions about Knee Replacement Surgery. 

A total hip replacement is a common surgery to repair hip joints when deformity, disease, or an injury to the joint occurs, hindering your ability to participate in daily activities. If other non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy or medication have not helped, talk to your physician about a total hip replacement. This procedure removes the damaged bone and tissue in the hip joint and replaces it with an artificial hip implant. We are now offering a minimally-invasive surgical approach to hip replacement with a faster and less painful recover. Learn more below.  

Get back to living faster. The new anterior approach to hip replacement does not cut into the muscles like a standard hip replacement. That means less pain and a faster recovery.  Click here to learn more about the Anterior Approach to Hip Replacement.

While shoulder replacements are generally less common than knee and hip replacements, over 50,000  shoulder replacement surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year. Much like knee and hip replacements, osteoarthritis seems to be the biggest cause of pain for prospective shoulder replacement patients, along with injuries to the joint, such as a rotator cuff tear.  Depending on whether your rotator cuff is attached or not, there are two options for shoulder replacement surgery: total shoulder replacement and reverse total shoulder replacement. The standard total shoulder replacement will be performed if your shoulder has normal joint anatomy, with an attached rotator cuff. This surgery replaces the damaged shoulder socket with a plastic cup, and replaces the head of the humerus bone with a metal ball. 

 Patients with a detached rotator cuff rely on different muscles to move the arm. In this case, a reverse total shoulder replacement will take place. In this procedure, the placement of the plastic socket and metal ball will be switched.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

At Pullman Regional Hospital, both CORI and VELYS robotic-assisted surgery systems are used by our orthopedic surgeons for total joint replacements. Talk with your orthopedic surgeon to find out if a robotic-assisted surgery is right for you.

CORI technology by Smith & Nephew is a hand-held robotics tool that uses surgical navigation and mapping for precise fitting knee-replacement surgeries. 

Using your unique knee anatomy and specialized implant, your surgeon uses the CORI system to create a customized 3D digital model of your knee. This model helps guide your surgeon before and during the surgery; during the procedure, the CORI system works in conjunction with your surgeon's skilled hands to achieve accurate positioning of the knee implant based on your unique anatomy. The system sends precise information about your knee to the robotics-assisted handpiece more than 300 times per second, allowing your surgeon to remove damaged surfaces, balance your joint and position the implant with accuracy.

The result is a naturally shaped knee, made from materials designed to last longer, that is positioned with an added level of accuracy to allow for a quicker, smoother recovery.

VELYS Digital Surgery by DePuy Synthes, is a robotic-assisted surgical system that attaches to the bedside and is used for accurate and precise knee-replacement surgeries. Since the VELYS system mounts on the operating table, it is easily moveable and manipulated by your surgeon.

VELYS provides continuous real-time feedback to your surgeon throughout the procedure using AI technology to guide and correct, resulting in an efficient surgical experience and a long-lasting implant. The robot camera’s high-speed optical tracking system takes 300 images per second, capturing the surgeon’s slightest movement for remarkably precise imaging. The joint’s position is reassessed before the implant is permanently positioned to ensure balanced tension in the knee throughout the range of motion.

WATCH a clip from a VELYS total knee replacement surgery with Dr. Ed Tingstad.

Joint Replacement Preparation Class

We provide comprehensive patient education to those considering or scheduled for joint replacement surgery.  Whether your surgery has already been scheduled or you’re just starting to look into getting a joint replaced, attending our Joint Replacement Class is highly recommended. The class will teach you how to prepare for your surgery to achieve the best outcome, and what you can expect after surgery and during rehabilitation.  

Along with the preparation class, there are several others ways to prepare yourself for the best outcome from joint replacement surgery. Want to learn more? Read 5 Ways to Prepare for your Joint Replacement Surgery.

 

2024 Class Dates

All classes are held in Pullman Regional Hospital's conference rooms from 3:00-4:30pm. 

Patients who have scheduled their total joint replacement surgery and those interested in doing so are encouraged to attend. Support people, family, and caregivers are welcome to attend as well. No registration is required- see you soon!

January 17, 2024
February 21, 2024
March 20, 2024
April 17, 2024
May 15, 2024
June 19, 2024
July 17, 2024
August 21, 2024
September 18, 2024
October 16, 2024
November 20, 2024
December 18. 2024

Post-Surgery

Discharge goals are individualized based on the patient. The Orthopedic Care Team will consult your insurance and collaborate with you and your family to determine if you are eligible for outpatient therapy, home health, or a skilled nursing facility for short-term rehabilitation. Discharge goals differ based on individual needs. Generally, you should be able to do the following at discharge:

  • Do the home exercise program independently
  • Understand postoperative precautions
  • Get in and out of bed without help
  • Walk with a walker up to 300 feet
  • Go up and down 4 steps using a railing
  • Shower, use the toilet, and dress safely
 

Orthopedic Care Coordination

Orthopedic Care Coordination

One of the benefits of having total joint surgery at Pullman Regional Hospital is our Orthopedic Care Coordinator program. We are unique in that we have a dedicated Orthopedic Care Coordinator to help guide you through the process of your total joint surgery – from start to finish. As soon as your appointment is scheduled, Maile Keller, PTA, is available to answer any questions you have, remind you of important tips to remember before surgery, help coordinate your post-surgery care options, and so much more. With more than 20 years of experience taking care of total joint replacement patients, Maile knows what it takes to make your experience as easy and seamless as possible.

Send Maile an email, or reach her by phone at (509) 336-7598.

 

Joint Replacement Testimonials

“I’ve been in 10 different hospitals and Pullman Regional Hospital is at the top of the list. I’ve been doing exercises and it’s such a relief after living with pain for so many years. I'm so glad I went there for my shoulder replacement and that's where I'd go again."
Holly Allen
Dayton

"I’ve had two knee replacement surgeries at Pullman Regional Hospital. The care I received both times was excellent! Everything from the preparation class to my physical therapy contributed to my successful outcomes. I can now walk and get back to doing things I love without pain."

Jeff Kimberling
Pullman
“The staff here took incredible care of my mother after her total knee replacement surgery. Thank you all so much for making me feel comfortable leaving my mother there overnight.”
Kimberly Hart
Pullman

Dr. Tingstad was my surgeon for a total knee replacement and I have recommended to several friends the excellent care I received.

Marilyn McCrary
Pullman