Virtual Joint Replacement Clinic
Date: June 2017
Revision date: June 2019
Ref: A-325/Orthopaedics/KD/Virtual joint replacement clinic
PDF: Virtual Joint replacement clinic [pdf] 208KB
Introduction:
The Orthopaedic Department at Derriford Hospital uses a patient friendly method of follow-up clinics to reduce the need to attend a face-to-face clinic appointment when they are not necessary. This form of review is being called “Virtual Joint Replacement Clinic”.
Which patient groups are going to be reviewed by the Virtual clinics?
If you have had a total hip or knee replacement, you may be suitable for a Virtual Clinic review, however there will still be some patients who will need to have an outpatient appointment.
What happens?
Your Consultant will decide if the Virtual Clinic review is appropriate for you. If this is the case, you will be sent a letter and questionnaire relating to the specific joint replacement when your review is due.
You will be asked to complete and return the questionnaire in a pre-paid envelope.
You will also be asked to have an x-ray undertaken at your local x-ray department. All information regarding booking your x-ray is in the accompanying letter.
Once we receive your completed questionnaire and notification of the x-rays having been taken, we will undertake your “Virtual” review.
You will not have to attend the Orthopaedic Out-Patient Department for this review but you will remain under the care of your Orthopaedic Consultant.
Virtual Clinic: How will I know what is happening next?
If there is anything that we would like to clarify, we will contact you to discuss this.
We may invite you in for a hospital clinic appointment if we feel it is needed.
If there is no need for a hospital appointment, we will write to you and your GP to confirm when we plan to review your joint replacement again
Routine time intervals for review of the majority of hip and knee replacements are at 1 year post surgery, 7 years, and then 3 yearly thereafter. There may be exceptions to this. You will be advised of your planned review date.
If you would prefer standard Outpatient appointment ..
You can request this when you are invited for review by contacting the Arthoplasty Service on 01752 431576 and you will be sent an appointment for the Arthroplasty follow up clinic at Derriford Hospital
Any questions?
If you have any questions about this please contact The Arthroplasty Service on:
01752 431576 or 01752 763383
