Home / Services / Total Joint Replacement Program

You've adjusted long enough.

Total Joint Replacement Program

Name: Kootenai Health
Price range: $

You've adjusted long enough.

Total Joint Replacement Program

Total Joint Replacement Education | Find a Doctor | Find a Location

Helping patients prepare for what's ahead—and recover with a plan.

Deciding to have a joint replaced is a big step. Most people spend months—or even years—thinking about it before they're ready to say yes to joint replacement surgery.

Whether you're considering hip, knee, shoulder or ankle replacement, we believe successful joint replacement is about more than what happens in the operating room. How you prepare before surgery and recover afterward can make a meaningful difference in your experience and how soon you can return home safely. Which is why our Total Joint Program invests as much in preparation and recovery as it does the procedure itself.

Before you have surgery, you'll attend a joint replacement education class, meet with an orthopedic nurse navigator and create a plan for recovery at home. We'll talk through everything from therapy and pain management to what recovery may look like. You’ll know what to expect and the milestones you'll work toward after surgery.

80%+

Home within one day

More than 80% of patients return home safely the day after surgery instead of to a rehabilitation facility.

Healthgrades

Outpatient Orthopedics Award

National recognition for delivering high-quality orthopedic care close to home.

Orthopedic Nurse Navigator

One point of contact

Your nurse navigator works with you and your family to coordinate education, preparation, rehabilitation and recovery from start to finish.

“What I love most is helping people get back to doing the things they enjoy—with less pain and more confidence.”

— Jonathan Linthicum, MD

The Total Joint Program prepares patients for what happens before surgery, during their hospital stay and throughout recovery.

Your First Appointment

Before Surgery

During Your Hospital Stay

Recovery & Milestones

Patient Resources

Your provider will perform an exam, review imaging and discuss treatment options based on your condition, goals and stage of arthritis.

Perform a physical exam and take X-rays
Review your arthritis stage and progression
Discuss non-operative options
Assess candidacy for partial or total joint replacement

If joint replacement is appropriate, your provider will also review:

Implant choices and longevity expectations
Typical pain improvement and realistic outcome expectations
Rehabilitation and recovery planning

What to Bring

Current medications and medical history
Any prior imaging
A list of your home support resources
A list of questions
A support person, if possible

Your nurse navigator works with you and your family to coordinate what needs to happen before surgery day.

Pre-Operative Education Class: What to expect before, during, and after surgery. Bringing a support person is encouraged.

Medical Optimization: A review of health factors that may affect recovery, including blood sugar control, smoking cessation and risk reduction planning.

Home Preparation: Guidance to prepare your home for a safe recovery:

Handrails
Raised seating
Ice therapy setup

Pain Management: Learn how multimodal pain management supports recovery before and after surgery.

Recovery begins shortly after surgery. Your care team will help manage pain, support early mobility and prepare you for a safe return home.

Multimodal pain management
DVT and infection prevention
Early mobility and physical therapy
Discharge planning and recovery preparation

Most people return home the day following surgery.

See What to Expect

Physical and occupational therapy may include:

Home exercise guidance
Wound care
Safe ambulation
Return-to-driving and return-to-activity milestones

What Influences Recovery
Recovery is a partnership. Consistent participation in therapy, adherence to home exercises, nutrition, sleep and risk-reduction efforts all play an important role in recovery.

What to Expect
Joint replacement doesn't mean a pain-free life or identical results for every patient. Implants are long-lasting but not permanent. Timelines and outcomes vary. We'll set realistic expectations with you from the start.

Need Help?

Questions About Your Visit?

Call Kootenai Clinic Orthopedics at (208) 625-6111

MyChart Patient Portal

View test results and medical history anytime.

Need Portal Setup Help?

Check out MyChart Getting Started Guide or ask our nurses or front office to get started.

John’s Story

John Hatcher, a Sandpoint resident and lifelong outdoorsman, spent years struggling with worsening hip pain caused by arthritis. Over time, the discomfort began taking away the activities he loved most, including hiking, biking, surfing, skiing and even walking his dogs.

After trying other treatments and undergoing an unsuccessful hip procedure, John decided it was time for a different solution. He turned to Kootenai Clinic Orthopedics and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joseph Bowen for a total hip replacement.

Since surgery, John has experienced a remarkable recovery. With improved mobility and significantly less pain, he’s been able to return to the active lifestyle he loves and get back to doing the things that matter most to him.

“Hip pain kept shrinking the things I could do. Now I'm looking forward to hiking, walking and enjoying life again.”

— John | Hip Replacement Patient

Explore Related Services:

Total Joint Replacement Education

Bone & Joint

The Team Behind Your Recovery

Orthopedic surgeons, advanced practice providers, rehabilitation specialists and orthopedic nurse navigators each play a role in helping patients prepare for surgery and recovery. Our surgeons believe the details matter—from how they operate to the teams they build around each procedure and the recovery plans that follow.

Find a Specialist