Drive around Washington enough, and you’ll spot Joseph “Dusty” Hopkins. He and his wife, Sherri, hang flags and stand at salute to honor veterans and law enforcement officers as often as possible. A couple of years ago, this patriotism cost Dusty. He was taking down a flag when he twisted his right knee.
“I blew it out,” Dusty says. “I dealt with the pain as long as I could.”
When the pain became too much to bear, Dusty came to Washington Health System. Imaging exams confirmed he was experiencing bone rubbing on bone, making each step agonizing. Dusty needed a new knee. However, joint replacement would have to wait. Lung surgery for a cancer diagnosis took priority.
EXPERTISE IN THE NEW OFFERING
After he completed cancer treatment, Dusty was ready for knee replacement. When a nurse explained that same-day joint replacement would be available at WHS soon, Dusty immediately hatched a plan.
“I wanted to be the first one,” he says. On May 15, Dusty’s wish came true, and he became the first same-day joint replacement surgery patient at WHS. Dusty entered the operating room at 7:30 a.m. and was out an hour later. By 3:30 p.m., he was home. While this was the first same-day joint replacement performed at WHS, Dusty’s surgeon brings a wealth of experience to the operating room. Over the years, Don Ravasio, DO, Orthopedic Surgeon at WHS, has performed more than 150 same-day joint replacement procedures. He’s seen the benefits of this approach and is excited to bring it to our community for the first time. “Many patients don’t like the thought of overnight hospital stays,” Dr. Ravasio says. “This gives an option to get home the same day.”
MAKING SAME-DAY SURGERY POSSIBLE
The option of same-day joint replacement is largely the result of improved pain management. Pre-operative nerve blocks limit post-operative pain. That means less need during recovery for pain medication, including narcotics. With less pain, patients get moving sooner, which leads to faster recovery. Today, most joint replacement patients begin walking within hours of their surgery and require very little pain medication. Dusty was on his feet a couple of hours after his surgery. The following day, he took a single pain pill and never needed another. To make recovery easier, physical therapy takes place at Dusty’s house. He is so committed to recovering that he doesn’t wait for his therapist to come to him. Each time the therapist arrives, Dusty walks out to the driveway to
meet him. According to Dr. Ravasio, Dusty was an ideal same-day surgery patient. He’s motivated and willing to do what it takes to get better with the support of his wife.
READY TO GO FULL FORCE
Dr. Ravasio works with an expert team. One vital member is Jennifer Jannotti, PA-C, at WHS. She evaluated Dusty’s knee pain prior to surgery, was first assistant during his surgery and participated in his post-surgical visits. Jannotti has cared for hundreds of joint replacement patients over a dozen years and insists Dusty stands out. “The most exciting thing about Dusty’s surgery was that he was able to recover in his own home,” she says. “I believe we heal best at home, and this program makes that a reality.”
Dusty agrees. He’s thankful for his new knee and the option to recover at home, under the watchful eye of his wife. Less than two weeks after his procedure, Dusty could only think of one negative aspect of his knee replacement experience: having to wait three days for his follow-up appointment with Dr. Ravasio. “I’m up and walking around without any pain at all,” he says. “My only frustration is not having permission yet to cut the grass.” With Dr. Ravasio’s skill and Dusty’s can-do attitude, he’ll be back to yardwork and supporting our troops and police in no time.
» IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR SAME-DAY JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY, SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AND EVALUATION BY CALLING THE WHS CENTER FOR ORTHOPEDIC EXCELLENCE AT (724) 206-0610.
Written By True North – Connections magazine
