SPEARFISH, SD - Spearfish Regional Hospital (SPRH) Regional Orthopedic Center recently treated its 500 ^th patient in the Joint Camp program.

Regional Orthopedic Center offers an inclusive program for patients electing to have hip or knee replacement. Joint Camp takes place at Spearfish Regional Hospital and is provided for patients having surgery at SPRH or Spearfish Regional Surgery Center. Patients receive a comprehensive guide providing information and education covering the time period of six weeks pre-surgery until three months post surgery and beyond. The patient plays a key role in achieving successful recovery and is involved in each step of the program.

"The program has really made a difference in the lives of our patients and we've received a lot of positive feedback from them as well as their families," said Helen Royall-McKeown, Regional Orthopedic Center's Orthopedic Care Coordinator.

Topics covered in Joint Camp include: how to prepare for surgery, what to expect after surgery, recognizing and preventing complications, staying active after surgery, and exercise and nutrition.

The program has proven to decrease length of hospital stay and enhance patient satisfaction. Patients receive comprehensive education and coordination, know what to expect through each step of the process, and their families are involved and educated throughout the process. 

"At first I wasn't sure I needed to go because I have had multiple surgeries and thought it would be repetitive. Not so. I feel these classes are vital to the patient for a successful outcome. All surgeries should have this type of education before being performed," said patient Julie Johnson.

For more information, call Helen Royall-McKeown, of the SPRH Regional Orthopedic Center, at (605) 644-4433.

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NEWS MEDIA:  For more information, or to arrange an interview, please call Peggy Anderson, of the Regional Health PR/Marketing Dept., at (605) 719-5631. Thank you.