Crosby gets lesson in hip and knee replacements

Cuyuna Regional Medical Center held a Hip to Knee: A to Z luncheon Wednesday in Crosby to teach guests about hip and knee replacements. The presentation also educated guests about the services CRMC offers to the community.
Orthopaedic Joint Coordinator for CRMC, Adam English, says, “We really enjoy going out into the community and educating the public on service we provide. Ultimately it’s about making them more educated more informed so when they see their provider they can go in and ask the good questions. And ultimately it’s all about the outcome for the patient.”
Jade Berg, Deerwood guest, says, “People keep telling us that’s the best thing I’ve ever done to myself, is to have my knee replaced. But nobody tells us what the pain was and what is the physical therapy and the rehab services you need after the surgery.”
English brought some model joints to complement his PowerPoint presentation. He says it’s important to have his audience see and move knee and hip models to get a better understanding.
English, “On some of the models it actually shows how to replace a joint. And that helps them kind of. They hear it, they see it, they learn it better.”
The guests say they it was important for them to come and hear more about the process before going under the knife.
Berg says, “ I’m planning on having my right knee replaced. And when you don’t know all the information, you’re always scared.”
English says, “An educated patient has better outcomes. Just a basic understanding of what the disease is, what the common treatments are and what to expect can help you have a better outcome long term.”
English says healthcare and hospitals are changing and hospitals are going to be reviewed based on patients’ outcome. He says this will give patients more power in selecting the right care for them.
English says, “The patient, who is ultimately the customer in all of this, will have the decision, the choice to go to either hospital A [or] hospital B based on outcomes and cost.”
CRMC started their rapid recovery program in September and they’re looking to improve on their successes they’ve already seen.