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Medical Services and Treatments

The Bone and Joint Institute at Shands Jacksonville is made up of an interdisciplinary team of University of Florida physicians with expertise in arthroscopy, sports medicine, joint reconstruction and replacement, trauma and more. The team treats conditions and illnesses involving bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and fascia of both children and adults. Our specialties include:

• Adult reconstructive (major joint)
• Hand and wrist
• Foot and ankle (lower extremity)
• Sports medicine
• Spine, lower back pain and spine deformities
• Oncology (bone tumor and sarcoma)
• Trauma

Orthopaedic Inpatient Unit

Patients who have had orthopaedic surgery are taken to a multi-surgical unit with a subspecialty in orthopaedics. Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team that consists of surgeons, surgical residents, nurses, case managers, physical therapists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, social workers, nutritionists, home care coordinators, patient care technicians and clinical assistants. When you arrive on the inpatient unit, you can expect the following to be a part of your care.

Pain Management
The methods used to control your pain will be determined by your surgeon. The surgeons and nurses will monitor the effectiveness of these methods and adjust them as needed.

Prevention of Complications
Depending on the surgical procedure performed, a variety of methods will be used to prevent or decrease any complications that may occur. You will be monitored by the team and asked to report specific signs and symptoms.

Early Mobility
Early mobility is the key to a progressive recovery. Your surgeon will determine your level of activity and discuss it with you and the other team members. Your cooperation with the plan leads to a successful rehabilitation period.

Patient Education
Members of the team will provide instruction regarding your plan of care, equipment and your part in the recovery process. Your caregivers are encouraged to participate, as their support will play an important role in the success of your recovery.

Discharge Planning
The length of your hospital stay is determined by the goals of your care plan. Once these goals are met, you will be considered safe to be discharged. Your social worker and home care coordinator will make arrangements for your discharge.

Discharge from the Hospital

Before you are discharged from the hospital, there are a number of things you should understand to ensure the success of your surgery, including exercise programs, physical activity restrictions, driving, bathing, wound care, medications, diet and more. If you have any questions or concerns, it is important that you talk to your nurse, surgeon or case manager.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation can occur at any point in your care. Your surgeon will determine which therapists you see and for how long.

You will be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist (PT). This may begin as soon as the day after your surgery. The PT will assist you with getting out of bed and moving safely in accordance with the recommendations of your orthopaedic surgeon. He or she will teach you how to increase your mobility. Before being discharged, the PT will review your home therapy program with you and your caregivers.

Following surgery, a person's ability to take care of their daily living tasks can be impaired due to pain, restrictions of movement or weakness. An occupational therapist (OT) will assist you in regaining your previous level of independence by having you perform daily living tasks safely through training in the use of adaptive equipment. Occupational therapy will enable you to return home safely and with confidence following your surgery.

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