Joint Replacement Surgery at Holton Community Hospital
Joint Replacement Surgery Close to Home
Call Outpatient Clinic at 785-364-9681
For patients living with chronic joint pain, arthritis, or limited mobility, joint replacement surgery for knee, hip, and shoulder can restore movement, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.
At Holton Community Hospital, joint replacement care is delivered through a coordinated team approach designed to guide patients through every step of the process—from the first consultation through surgery, rehabilitation, and recovery.
Our orthopedic care team includes orthopedic surgeons, advanced practice providers, anesthesiologist, nurses, radiologists, rehabilitation specialists, and patient care coordinators who work together to ensure patients receive personalized care and support throughout their treatment journey.
Because Holton Community Hospital serves a smaller patient population, our team is able to spend more time with each patient, building stronger relationships and providing one-on-one attention that helps patients feel informed, confident, and supported throughout their recovery.
Through programs like Joint Camp, patients and their support person learn what to expect before surgery, how to prepare for recovery, and how the rehabilitation process will help them return to everyday activities.
From diagnosis to surgery to rehabilitation, Holton Community Hospital provides a complete joint replacement program close to home for residents of Jackson County and surrounding communities.
When Is Joint Replacement Recommended?
Joint replacement may be recommended when chronic joint pain or arthritis interferes with daily activities and conservative treatments no longer provide relief.
Common symptoms include:
• Persistent knee or hip pain
• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Pain that interferes with sleep
• Limited ability to perform everyday activities
If these symptoms are affecting your quality of life, an orthopedic consultation can help determine the best treatment options.
Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery replaces damaged bone and cartilage with an artificial joint designed to restore movement and reduce pain.
Patients often consider knee replacement when osteoarthritis or joint degeneration causes severe pain and limited mobility.
Many patients experience:
• Significant pain relief
• Improved ability to walk and climb stairs
• Increased independence in daily activities
Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery removes damaged portions of the hip joint and replaces them with an artificial joint designed to improve function and reduce pain.
Patients with severe hip arthritis or joint damage often benefit from this procedure when conservative treatments no longer provide relief.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery is performed when severe arthritis, joint damage, or injury causes chronic pain and limits the ability to lift, reach, or perform everyday activities.
During shoulder replacement surgery, damaged portions of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial components designed to restore movement and reduce pain.
Patients may benefit from shoulder replacement when they experience:
• persistent shoulder pain that interferes with daily activities
• limited ability to raise or rotate the arm
• weakness or stiffness in the shoulder joint
• arthritis or joint damage that no longer responds to conservative treatment
Many patients experience significant improvements in shoulder function, allowing them to return to normal daily activities with less pain.
What Is Joint Replacement Camp?
Joint Camp is a pre-operative education class designed to prepare patients and their support person for joint replacement surgery and recovery. All joint replacement patients at Holton Community Hospital attend this class prior to surgery. The session typically lasts about two hours and provides valuable information to help patients feel confident, prepared, and informed before their procedure.
During Joint Camp, patients have the opportunity to meet members of the orthopedic care team and learn what to expect throughout the surgical process—from preparation for surgery to recovery at home.
The class introduces several of the departments involved in your care and explains how each team member supports your recovery.
What You Will Learn at Joint Camp
Patients and their support person receive detailed guidance on several important aspects of joint replacement care, including:
• how to prepare for surgery in the days leading up to your procedure
• what to expect on the day of surgery
• anesthesia and pain management strategies
• physical therapy exercises used before and after surgery
• safe use of walkers and assistive devices
• what to expect during your hospital stay
• discharge planning and recovery at home
Meet the Care Team During Joint Camp
Joint Camp allows patients to meet several members of the care team who will be involved in their surgery and recovery.
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
Therapists take initial measurements, introduce exercises used before and after surgery, and teach patients how to safely use assistive devices such as walkers.
Patient Care Coordinators
Care coordinators explain what to expect during your hospital stay, discuss equipment that may be needed at home, and review discharge planning options.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
The anesthesia team reviews your personalized anesthesia plan and answers questions about pain control during and after surgery.
Surgical Team
The surgical team explains how to prepare for your procedure, what to expect the day before surgery, the day of surgery, and the early stages of recovery.
Why Joint Camp Is Important
Patients who attend Joint Camp often feel more prepared and less anxious about their surgery because they understand what to expect and have already met members of their care team.
By the time surgery day arrives, patients are familiar with the process, the hospital environment, and the professionals who will be helping guide them through recovery.
Joint Camp is an important part of the coordinated joint replacement program at Holton Community Hospital and helps ensure patients have the knowledge and support needed for a successful recovery.
Your Joint Replacement Guide
The Joint Replacement Guide includes helpful information such as:
- Helpful Appointment trackers and checklists.
- How to prepare for surgery in the days leading up to your procedure.
- What to bring to the hospital.
- What to expect during your hospital stay.
- Physical therapy exercises used during recovery.
- Instructions for safe movement and mobility after surgery.
- Tips for managing pain and preventing complications.
Guidance for returning to daily activities safely.
As part of Holton Community Hospital’s joint replacement program, every patient receives a comprehensive Joint Replacement Guide to help them prepare for surgery and recovery.
This guide serves as a step-by-step reference for patients and their support person throughout the entire treatment process. It reinforces the information presented during Joint Camp and provides clear instructions patients can refer to before surgery, during their hospital stay, and throughout rehabilitation at home.
The front of the guide includes a helpful appointment tracking sheet where patients can record important dates such as pre-operative appointments, lab work, Joint Camp, surgery day, and follow-up visits. This simple tool helps patients stay organized and keep their care plan on track.
Inside the guide, patients will also find practical checklists designed to make preparation easier, including pre-operative surgery preparation and home preparation checklists. These checklists help patients and their families plan ahead by identifying important tasks such as preparing the home for safe mobility after surgery, arranging transportation, and gathering items needed during recovery.
Many patients find the guide especially helpful because it allows them and their family members to review important information at their own pace and refer back to it throughout the recovery process.
Providing clear education and practical resources is an important part of the joint replacement program at Holton Community Hospital and helps ensure patients feel confident, organized, and prepared for every stage of their orthopedic care journey.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
Joint replacement procedures typically take about 1–3 hours depending on the patient’s condition.
After surgery patients recover in the post-anesthesia care unit before being transferred to their hospital room.
Early movement and therapy begin soon after surgery to support recovery and reduce complications.
Hospital Recovery
During your hospital stay, your care team focuses on:
• pain control
• mobility and walking
• therapy and rehabilitation
• preparing for safe discharge home
Many patients are ready to return home within one to three days once recovery goals are met.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Physical therapy plays a key role in recovery following joint replacement surgery.
Therapy focuses on:
• restoring strength
• improving range of motion
• helping patients safely return to daily activities
Most patients gradually increase activity levels over the first several weeks following surgery.
Benefits of Joint Replacement Surgery
Many patients experience:
• reduced pain
• improved mobility
• increased independence
• better quality of life
Modern joint replacements can last 15 years or longer for many patients.
Am I a Candidate for Joint Replacement?
Joint replacement surgery is typically considered when joint pain or arthritis significantly interferes with daily life and conservative treatments are no longer providing relief.
While only an orthopedic evaluation can determine the best treatment plan, many patients begin exploring joint replacement when they experience symptoms like on this checklist.
If these symptoms sound familiar, an orthopedic consultation can help determine whether joint replacement surgery or another treatment option may help relieve your pain and restore mobility.
At Holton Community Hospital, our orthopedic care team works closely with patients and their primary care providers to evaluate symptoms, review imaging, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Joint Replacement FAQ
Most procedures take approximately one to three hours depending on the complexity of the surgery.
Many patients are ready for discharge within one to three days once recovery goals are achieved. Shoulder replacement surgeries do not require hospital stay unless the surgeon determines otherwise.
Most patients resume many normal daily activities within several weeks, with continued improvement over several months.
Yes. Physical therapy is essential for restoring strength, mobility, and confidence following surgery.
Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief
If chronic joint pain is affecting your ability to move comfortably or enjoy everyday activities, an orthopedic consultation can help determine whether joint replacement surgery is the right option.
Call Outpatient Clinic at 785-364-9681​
For more information about joint replacement procedures, visit the
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
