Meet Your Joint Replacement Team

Charleston Orthopedic Surgeon - A specialized physician who will perform your joint surgery and direct your care. This doctor follows you through office visits and directs your rehab.

Physician Assistant (PA) - A health care professional who works directly with your physician to diagnose and treat health care problems. Physician assistants are actively involved in your care before, during, and after total joint replacement surgery.

Anesthesiologist/ Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist - A physician or advance practice nurse responsible for your anesthesia during surgery (putting you to sleep or numbing your legs). They will be involved in pain management issues after surgery as well.

Hospitalist – Hospitalist is the term used for doctors who are specialized in the care of patients in the hospital. There are many advantages of hospitalists in the care ofhospitalized patients. One advantage is that hospitalists have more expertise in caring for complicated hospitalized patients on a daily basis. They are also more available most of the day in the hospital to meet with family members, able to follow-up on tests, answer nurses’ questions, and simply to deal with problems that may arise. In many instances, hospitalists may see a patient more than once a day to assure that care is going according to plan, and to explain test findings to patients and family members.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) - A registered nurse with advanced training/experience who works with your physician to manage your care before, during, and after surgery. A nurse practitioner can prescribe medications and order/interpret needed tests.

Registered Nurse (RN) - RN’s are responsible for your daily care after surgery. RN’s follow orders given by your physician, administer medicine, and monitor vital signs. RN’s provide education to you and your family about your health and safety needs after surgery.

Physical Therapist (PT) - The physical therapist directs your rehab after your surgery. Your PT will help you regain strength, range of motion, and balance after surgery. They will provide instruction on how to transfer, walk, and negotiate stairs safely with your new joint. They will instruct you on how to use a walker, which will be needed temporarily after surgery.

Occupational Therapist (OT) - The occupational therapist provides techniques and strategies to complete your daily activities, such as dressing and bathing. The OT provides instruction on adaptive equipment which may be needed to perform self-care tasks. They also provide tips on conserving energy and creating a safe home environment.

Case Manager/Discharge Planner - A registered nurse who works with your joint replacement team to assist your transition into your home setting. They will guide and direct you through the discharge process, arranging home or outpatient therapy or other needed services. They can also answer questions about insurance coverage for services and equipment. The commitment to your comfort and successful joint replacement procedure is something our orthopedic surgeons take very seriously.