It's an unfortunate fact of life, but every year injuries, chronic arthritis and degenerative bone diseases sideline hundreds of otherwise healthy Lake County residents. But now, thanks to new materials and new surgical techniques available at Vista Health System, many of these people are able to be on the move again.

On a daily basis at Vista Health System, we're offering patients specialized procedures such as microsurgery, joint replacements and arthroscopic surgery. All of which can be the first step in returning to a normal life.

But the latest medical advances are only part of the story. It takes much more than successful surgery to get people back on their feet. That's where our dedicated team of independent physiatrists, nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists comes into the picture. The team works together with patients and their family members to restore freedom, encourage independence and promote healing. Orthopedic services offered at Vista Health System include:

• Advanced diagnostic testing
• Arthroscopic and open surgical procedures such as total joint replacements, arthritis treatment and knee arthroscopy for cartilage tear
• Pain management
• Sports medicine

The Orthopedic & Joint Center at Vista Medical Center East
Vista Health System’s Orthopedic & Joint Center is unique. It is a dedicated center within the hospital, providing a comprehensive, wellness based approach to hip and knee joint replacement. Patients have their surgery on Mondays or Tuesdays and typically return home following a 2-3 day stay in the hospital.

The Joint Concepts® program used by Vista provides the patient:

• A team of professionals who specialize in the care of individuals who have had joint replacement surgery
• A team of professionals who coordinate preoperative care and discharge planning
• Public education seminars about hip and knee pain
• Pre-operative information class for those who have chosen to have hip or knee replacement surgery
• A comprehensive guide for the patient to follow from 6 weeks pre-surgery to 3 months post-op and beyond
  A community environment for recovery, including
  - Individual and group therapy
  - Participation of a family member or friend as a “coach” in the recovery process
  - Group lunches for the patient, coach, fellow
  patients, and staff
• A coordinated after care program including
  - Focus luncheons for former patients and coaches
  - Reunions
  - Newsletters to update the patient with new information about arthritis and joint care

Personalized Care
Our Joint Replacement Team includes independent physicians, nurses, patient care technicians, and physical and occupational therapists who specialize in joint care. Every detail, from pre-operative teaching to discharge options, focuses on enabling individuals to return to daily activities as soon as possible. Individual treatment plans are developed for each patient. For more information, please contact our Joint Replacement Coordinator at 847-360-4035.

 

Other Orthopedic Rehabilitation Services:

• Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit
The Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Vista Medical Center West provides an environment in which patients work closely with an independent physiatrist, nurses and therapists to regain vital skills. Generally, orthopedic patients stay in the Rehab Unit for one to two weeks and most patients are discharged to continue their recovery at home.

• Outpatient Rehabilitation
Some patients are able to complete their rehabilitation while at home. For them, rehabilitation services are available on an outpatient basis. This care is available through Vista Health System at Vista Physical Medicine (Gurnee) and the Vista Surgery Center (Lindenhurst).