Total Joint Center

WMHS has a comprehensive approach to total joint replacement that enables patients to get back to normal, and sometimes extraordinary, activities of daily living.  The total joint team includes board- certified orthopaedic surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, pharmacists and nutritionists.  Most importantly, each patient has a family member or friend that acts as a "coach” and lends encouragement and support during the patient’s stay and after discharge. 

The Center provides pre-operative teaching which instructs the patient and coach how to prepare for surgery by eating correctly and exercising weeks before surgery to build up their muscles for the surgery.  During the pre-op class, patients and coaches also get to know some of the others who will be having surgery during the same time.  Pre-op class also provides information about bone-on-bone pain and what to expect after surgery.  A question and answer time is held at the end of the class.  After attending the class, patients feel much more comfortable about their upcoming surgery. 

The Total Joint Program at WMHS has produced decreased length of stays and improvement in recovery time.  With mentoring from the staff, patients rapidly get back to normal functioning as soon as possible. 

If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to call the Joint Care Coordinator, Linda Altizer, RN, MSN, Orthopaedic Nurse Specialist, at 240-364-6618.

Pre-Op Classes
Patients and their support person are strongly encouraged to attend our Pre-Op class to learn more about their upcoming surgery and recovery.  These free sessions are held the last Monday of the month in the Auditorium on the second floor of the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center.  Please call Linda Altizer to reserve your seat. 

Upcoming Dates:
March 25
April 29
May 20
June 24
July 29
August 26
September 30
October 28
November 25
December 16