Each person’s lifestyle and goals are unique, and our physicians, nurses and physical therapists excel at listening carefully to each patient’s story. We design your treatment plan with one goal in mind: restoring optimal joint function and reducing or eliminating pain so you can resume daily activities as quickly and safely as possible. Many patients choose our service because we treat debilitating hip and knee problems with leading therapies and cutting-edge technologies.

“We are using more advanced technologies in joint replacement than ever before,” says Dr. George Tokodi, orthopedic surgeon at Selby General Hospital. “Whenever possible, we do smaller incisions which means less complications, faster recovery and a happier patient,” states Dr. Tokodi.

But the most compelling reason to seek treatment at Selby General Hospital is our team of world-class specialists, one of the many reasons Doris Guinn, Selby’s first orthopedic surgery patient, chose Selby. Here’s what else we have to offer:

• Our expert staff of physicians and nurses.
• The latest surgical techniques for hip and joint replacements and the use of small incisions, which results in less pain and a shorter recovery time.
• Specialized training: our orthopedic surgeons received formal training in sports medicine and joint replacement surgery.

Dr. Tokodi, who performed Doris’ surgery, does around 300 joint surgeries annually. “I sought Dr. Tokodi for my knee replacement surgery because I had such a good experience with him three years ago when I broke my ankle,” says Doris.

Most people considering total hip or knee replacement surgery are experiencing severe pain, loss of motion or stiffness that interferes with daily activities.

The inpatient unit is part of a complete medical, diagnostic and surgical program, with many amenities to enhance patient comfort and facilitate healing. The unit was designed based on research that links recovery with the patient’s physical environment. Dr. Tokodi puts it best, “The newer operating rooms bring together the space needed to accommodate the technology and an environment that provides the best possible outcome for patients.”

Individualized Therapy Care
Each patient receives a thorough initial evaluation by our physical and occupational therapists on the day after surgery. Our therapy team carefully considers the needs, lifestyle and comfort level of each patient as they determine the best course of rehabilitative therapy. Post-operative rehabilitation occurs on a one-to-one basis at your bedside and includes gait, transfer and balance training as well as a thorough review of available adaptive equipment.

These units have a variety of features that help patients recover as quickly and comfortably as possible.

“My recovery is going great,” states Doris. “I no longer have pain in my knee and I am nearing full mobility. I owe everything to the wonderful staff at Selby.”

Care Navigator
The goal is to ensure patients are well educated before surgery and that their house is easily accessible when they return home, all in an effort to help them recover faster. With a joint education class, a detailed handbook and access to the joint replacement care navigator, patients are guided
through the entire process with information and support. An educated patient is better prepared to deal with the surgery itself and the recovery process. We give them real expectations, which help to reduce the unknown and ease anxiety.

Joint Care Coordinator Sandy Purdy, R.N. says, “Our goal is to eliminate your stress of trying to figure out what to do regarding your health and make it easy for you to make informed choices about quality treatment.”

Prior to surgery, patients and their caregivers attend a free education session with Sandy. She will discuss:

• pre-surgery preparations 
• surgical procedures (includes
  viewing artificial joints) 
• what to expect during the
  hospital stay 
• how to best manage pain 
• the importance of walking
  and exercise

The joint care navigator plays an active role in helping our patients through pre-operative, surgical and post-operative care. She is immediately accessible to patients, ensuring that each patient has the best possible experience at the Center for Joint Replacement.