Michael A. Gott, MD, of Westchester Sport and Spine in White Plains, N.Y., discusses how new forms of pain control and anesthesia are innovating outpatient joint replacement, as well as how decreased hospital stays and postoperative pain management will be the greatest advancement in the field.
Q: What is the biggest innovation in outpatient joint replacement?
Dr. Gott: The biggest innovation in outpatient joint replacement has almost everything to do with advances in pain control and anesthesia. New types of nerve blocks and long acting local injections which are performed intraoperatively allow patients a level of pain control never before achieved without sedating narcotic pain medications. This type of anesthesia also allows for early mobility and range of motion which is very important to achieve the patient's independence needed to safely perform an outpatient total joint replacement.
Q: Where do you see joint replacement surgeons being successful in five years?
DG: As discussed above, postoperative pain management is most likely going to be the area of greatest advancement. Historically patients stay longer then 24 hours in the hospital due to pain control. Early and complete pain management will also allow for early range of motion. I truly believe there is no better rehab then being home and having to perform your normal activities of daily life. In the next five years decreased hospital stays and eventually ambulatory total joint replacements will be the greatest area of advancement.
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