Orthopedics/Amputee Program

The Orthopedic Program is dedicated to providing services to persons who have undergone hip and knee replacements, multiple traumas, suffered lower extremity fractures, undergone recent lower or upper extremity amputations, or have had other orthopedic procedures such as spinal fusion surgery. The staff is dedicated to helping the patient regain the greatest level of independence and enjoy the highest quality of life. The program focuses on acute pain management, improving mobility and range of motion, strengthening, patient and caregiver education, and improving the patient's ability to complete activities of daily living. Orthopedic inpatient rehabilitation is generally of short duration with follow-up care provided by home health agencies or outpatient clinics. Interdisciplinary Approach Team members include Physiatrists, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, Behavioral Medicine Specialists, Nursing, and Case Managers. Speech Language Pathologists and Psychologist services are also available. Additionally, a Certified Lymphedema Specialist is available to patients identified with new onset of lymphedema related to their surgery. Function-based Program Patients will have hands-on instruction in car transfers and safe mobility in the home. Kitchen and home management tasks may be addressed. Recommendations for assistive devices and home medical equipment will be provided. Home evaluations may be scheduled if deemed necessary. Patient Education Program Topics covered include: home safety, pain management, managing edema, fall prevention, stair and ramp management, relaxation techniques, signs of infection, home exercise programs, community resources, and discharge planning. Amputee Program Education specific to this population is provided. Topics include: pain management following amputation, pre-prosthetic limb care, skin and residual limb care, phantom pain/phantom limb sensation, positioning needs, home exercises, and coping with limb loss. Patients are provided with information regarding community resources such as the Amputation Coalition of America, Patricia Neal Innovative Recreation Cooperative (IRC), and Patricia Neal's Support Group A.S.K. (Amputee Support of Knoxville). Patients are given general information regarding the process for prosthetic fitting. PNRC Orthopedic outcomes shows the dedication to return patients to their home in the community.(3rd quarter, 2007 Uniform Data System)   PNRC National Average Amputees discharged to home 78% 79% Total hip patients discharged to home. 100% 89% Total knee patients discharged to home. 100% 93% Hip fracture patients discharged to home. 83% 70% (3rd quarter, 2007 Uniform Data System)