The year 2014 saw over 1,300 joint replacement procedures done at the Joint Center at Valley Medical Center. After reviewing the data from that year, we would like to share our results so that consumers can compare outcomes among various centers. Our infection rate for primary total hip and knee replacement was 0.6%, below the national average of approximately 1%. Our average length of stay for total hip replacements was 1.7 days, less than the national average of 2.3 days. Our length of stay for total knee replacements was 2.4 days, which is equal to the national benchmark average for top 10th percentile. Our readmission rate within 90 days (i.e., patients who have to be readmitted to the hospital for any reason) was 1.5% for total knees, which is one-quarter of the average readmission rate in 90 days compared to the national average. For total hips, it was 1.3%, which is one-fifth of the national average for readmission for total hip replacement. Our anterior approach hip replacements had an average length of stay of 1.2 days, and the majority of these patients now go home the following day after surgery.
Through collaboration with our colleagues and Anesthesia, we have been able to decrease the postoperative discomfort, minimize some of the side effects associated with pain medicine, and allowed our patients to transition from surgery to home in a smooth, seamless fashion. As noted in a previous blog, 93% of our patients go from the hospital to home with only 7% requiring a rehabilitation facility.
By managing the preoperative, operative, and postoperative care, we are able to take advantage of opportunities for improvement and offer the highest quality care to our patients. We are proud of our numbers and continue to strive to improve on them.
