The Total Package for Total Joint Replacement

Darlene McConnell of Port Ludlow lived with the pain of a highly arthritic knee for years, but it wasn’t until she also started experiencing discomfort in her leg and ankle last September that the pain became more debilitating. A benign tumor was discovered near her femur, and she was advised to have it surgically removed, along with undergoing total knee replacement surgery.

“From beginning to end, my surgery at Overlake went amazingly well,” recounts Darlene.

This personalized care is at the heart of Overlake’s nationally recognized, award-winning total joint replacement program. It is truly a collaborative effort between physicians, surgeons, support staff, nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists.

“Our team works together to provide timely and exceptional patient care,” says Heidi Laroche, PT, DPT, manager of Overlake’s total joint replacement program. 

Overlake offers minimally invasive surgical procedures using the latest technology and advanced techniques for the replacement of hips and knees.

“We’ve come a long way for total joint replacements. We want people to get back to their activities quickly. We have you walking that day and going home the same day or the next day,” explains Christopher Boone, MD, of Proliance Surgeons.

Using evidence-based practice standards, the program aims to prepare a patient before surgery in order to minimize complications, shorten their recovery time and get them back to mobility as soon as possible. The first step in preparing someone for surgery is to address any medical needs they may have, such as lowering their body mass index or making sure blood sugar is well controlled, as these factors can increase risk for surgical complications.

“The Overlake program is unique in the way we coordinate with all the different teams in the hospital to make sure patients are well taken care of from the start of this process until they are completely recovered,” says Brent Anderson, DO, of Kaiser Permanente Washington. “I believe we do a great job of educating our patients about surgery and the importance of their role in a successful surgery.”

Education is a key component of the program. Once cleared for surgery, patients attend a class to learn how to prepare for surgery, what to expect during surgery and recovery, and to identify a coach.

“Overlake’s program is really well thought out,” Darlene attests. “Designating a coach prior to surgery is an excellent thing to do that I may not have otherwise thought of. My husband wouldn’t have been able to handle it, so my niece volunteered to be my coach. It worked out even better than I could have imagined.”

Awards & Distinctions

Overlake Medical Center is recognized year after year for its excellence in joint replacement surgery. The following is a list of our latest awards and distinctions:

• Healthgrades^® America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement (2019, 2020).
• Healthgrades^® Joint Replacement Excellence Award (2016-2020).
• Healthgrades^® Total Knee Replacement, Five-Star Recipient (2016-2020).
• Healthgrades^® Total Hip Replacement, Five-Star Recipient (2012-2020).
• Premera Blue Distinction Center+ Knee and Hip Replacement.

To learn more about total joint replacement surgery at Overlake, visit overlakehospital.org/orthopedics.