FORT SMITH – Sparks Health System and the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the new Orthopedic and Spine Center at Sparks Regional Medical Center this past fall.

In the newly remodeled unit on the 5th floor, are the spacious hallways and bathrooms and the open therapy space that resembles more of a community recreation room than a hospital. Combined with a simplified process for joint replacement therapy and a fun, local historical theme to motivate patients, the new unit is changing joint replacement surgery in the River Valley.

With minimally-invasive robotic-assisted surgery and a cohesive treatment plan, Sparks Health System’s new Orthopedic and Spine Center has simplified joint replacement surgery, in just three steps. First, patients attend a pre-surgery class led by the joint care coordinator. Patients can ask questions, get answers, and learn a lot -- like how to choose a coach, and how to prepare their home for their recovery after surgery.

The second step is on the day of surgery. The joint replacement staff will help patients feel comfortable and guide them through the entire process. The third step is the recovery process where patients will work with a physical therapist before heading home.

Sparks has the same great physicians and nurses, but the new program encompasses wellness, early mobility, family involvement, education, personal responsibility, group interaction and minimally invasive and rapid-recovery techniques for better outcomes following joint replacement or spine surgery.

To attend a free seminar about Joint Replacement Surgery, register online at SparksHealth.com or call (479) 709-DOCS.