by Kelsey Herbers
Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital (VWCH) has received certification from The Joint Commission for total hip replacement and total knee replacement, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care and continuous compliance with performance standards.
The certifications, offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, focus on the pre-surgical orthopaedic consultation to the intraoperative, hospitalization or ambulatory surgical center admission, rehabilitation activities and follow-up visit with the orthopaedic surgeon.
The review process includes a site visit to evaluate compliance with certification standards.
“We are honored to receive these important recognitions of our commitment to excellence in patient safety and quality of care,” said Jay Hinesley, president of VWCH. “Through the use of advanced technology, less invasive surgical techniques and personalized care plans, our orthopaedic staff are committed to quickly returning patients to an active and comfortable life.”
VWCH treats a variety of bone and joint conditions with services including total hip and knee replacement, partial knee replacement, physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitative services.
In 2011, the hospital became the first in Tennessee to offer partial knee replacements with the use of advanced robotic arm technology. The surgeon uses the robotic arm to resurface the diseased portion of the knee, sparing healthy bone and tissue to maintain more natural feeling and offering a less-invasive alternative to total knee surgery.
The hospital became the first in the state to perform robotic hip replacements in 2014 using the same technology, which enables a more accurate alignment and placement of implants.
Robotic-assisted procedures have since expanded to include total knee replacement surgeries, offering a new surgical option for patients with chronic knee pain. Using a 3D virtual model, the system allows surgeons to create a personalized surgical plan based on each patient’s diagnosis and anatomy before entering the operating room.
The joint replacement certifications join the hospital’s existing advanced accreditation from The Joint Commission as a Certified Primary Stroke Center.
