Considerations in Lower Extremity Joint Replacements

About this course

A 3 CCU course on rehabilitation after lower extremity joint replacement, covering the epidemiology of joint replacement surgery; pre-operative assessment and medical optimization; surgical approaches and immediate post-operative care for total hip arthroplasty; surgical considerations and early management for total knee arthroplasty; indications and rehabilitation for total ankle replacement and alternative lower extremity procedures; evidence-based rehabilitation protocols across recovery phases; recognition and risk management of common complications; care coordination and discharge planning across acute care, inpatient rehab, SNF, home health, and outpatient settings; considerations for obesity, bilateral replacements, and revision arthroplasty; and interdisciplinary team management. Includes a graded, 20-question post-course assessment; a score of 70% or higher is required to earn CCUs and generate a certificate of completion. Unlimited retakes.

Learning objectives

• Describe the epidemiology, indications, and current trends in lower extremity joint replacement surgery.
• Identify pre-operative assessment components and medical optimization strategies for joint replacement candidates.
• Compare surgical approaches for total hip arthroplasty and apply appropriate post-operative precautions and mobility protocols.
• Describe surgical considerations and early management protocols for total knee arthroplasty.
• Identify indications and rehabilitation considerations for total ankle replacement and alternative lower extremity procedures.
• Apply evidence-based rehabilitation protocols for lower extremity joint replacement across recovery phases.
• Recognize common complications following joint replacement surgery and implement appropriate risk management strategies.
• Coordinate care and discharge planning across acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, SNF, home health, and outpatient settings.
• Adapt rehabilitation approaches for special populations, including patients with obesity, bilateral replacements, and revision arthroplasty.
• Apply quality improvement principles and outcome measurement to optimize joint replacement rehabilitation results.

Course outline (14 modules)

1. M1Course Objectives & Financial Disclosures
2. M2Epidemiology and Overview of Lower Extremity Joint Replacements
3. M3Pre-operative Assessment and Medical Optimization
4. M4Total Hip Arthroplasty - Surgical Approaches and Immediate Post-operative Care
5. M5Total Knee Arthroplasty - Surgical Considerations and Early Management
6. M6Total Ankle Replacement and Alternative Lower Extremity Procedures
7. M7Rehabilitation Protocols and Evidence-Based Practice
8. M8Complications Recognition and Risk Management
9. M9Care Coordination and Discharge Planning Across Settings
10. M10Special Populations and Unique Considerations
11. M11Quality Improvement and Outcome Optimization
12. M12Interdisciplinary Team Management and Communication
13. M13Ethical and Legal Considerations in Joint Replacement Care
14. M14References