Your Joint Replacement Support Circle

The Beaufort Memorial bone and joint care team is specially trained to help ensure your surgery is as smooth and speedy as possible. During your visits to the hospital before surgery and during recovery, you’ll meet different members of our joint care team, including:

Bone and Joint Care, Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head

Orthopedic Surgeon: This board-certified physician performs joint replacement surgery and manages your care throughout your hospital stay.

Anesthesia Care TeamAn anesthesiologist and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) meet you before surgery and administer medications during surgery.

HospitalistThis physician works in the hospital with your surgeon to monitor and assist with your medical care during your hospital stay.

Registered NurseMembers of our nursing team — many orthopedics trained —perform several jobs, including scheduling, surgical care and post-surgery care.

Certified Nursing Assistant: Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) help you with activities such as bathing, dressing and getting to the bathroom.

Physical Therapist: Physical therapists (PTs) help you gain joint strength and motion, and teach you how to properly use a walker, navigate stairs and get in and out of bed.

Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists (OTs) help you re-learn day-to-day tasks like bathing and dressing and teach you how to use special equipment during recovery.

Total Joint Coordinator: Your coordinator (also a PT) is well versed in joint replacement care and assists you with education, care coordination and questions.

DietitianYour nutrition counselor helps you make healthy food choices and understand the link between diet and healing, and can also respond to food-related medication concerns.

Dietary AideThis nutrition assistant will visit you daily to discuss your menu and any physician-prescribed diet options.

Pharmacist: Your pharmacist knows your health history (including home medications and allergies) and works to ensure all medications prescribed are safe and compatible.

First Mate: This is your personally chosen support person, who helps you prepare for and recover from surgery. You can choose your spouse, a friend or a family member.