Joint replacement has come a long way at MFSH

Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 10:52 AM

Joint replacement has come a long way at MFSH

For many aging Americans, the thought of joint replacement surgery doesn't inspire much enthusiasm.

But thanks to advances in surgical techniques, technology and rehabilitation, joint replacement has become a very different experience than it was even a decade ago. At Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital (MFSH), these changes are helping patients return home sooner, get moving earlier and feel more prepared for recovery.

Changing tides of joint replacement surgery

When Melissa Rowland, BSN, RN, PTA, nurse manager at MFSH, started her career over 20 years ago, joint replacement surgery looked a lot different than what it looks like today.

"Patients were staying in the hospital after surgery for five days and then went to rehab," she says. "About halfway into my career, that time went down to three days. Now, 95% of our surgeries are outpatient and patients return home just a few hours after the procedure."

Shorter hospital stays can mean less exposure to hospital-acquired infections, lower costs and an earlier start to rehabilitation.

But the changes go beyond how long patients spend in the hospital. Whereas patients were once instructed to limit their use of the affected joint after surgery, today's approach emphasizes getting patients moving as soon as it's safe to do so. For some patients, that means walking or using the stairs within an hour of hip or knee surgery.

"For a knee replacement in particular, they tend to get very stiff very quickly," says Matthew Binkley, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at Kaleida Health. "The quicker you get these patients moving, the less stiffness they'll have.'

Getting patients moving early is just one part of the evolving approach to joint replacement. Advances in surgical planning and technology are also changing how procedures are performed.

Technology is changing the game

Robotics and computer-assisted planning have become increasingly important tools in joint replacement surgery, giving surgeons new ways to prepare for procedures and plan for each patient's needs.

Robotics are now commonly used in hip and knee replacements, while their application in shoulder replacement surgery is beginning to expand.

"From a technology standpoint, what we are able to do now that we were not able to [do] 10 years prior is planning most of these surgeries on the computer," Dr. Binkley explains.

For shoulder replacements, for example, surgeons can use CT scans to create a plan before entering the operating room. This allows them to evaluate the patient's anatomy and prepare for the procedure in advance.

Dr. Binkley describes the process as an exciting development in orthopaedics, comparing the experience of planning a procedure digitally to playing a video game before performing it in real life.

As these technologies continue to advance, they offer surgeons additional tools to plan and perform procedures with the individual patient in mind.

What hasn't changed

Although joint replacement surgery has evolved considerably, one thing remains constant at MFSH: the commitment to individualized, compassionate care.

Preparing patients for surgery is an important part of that commitment. MFSH offers pre-surgical joint replacement classes led by its orthopaedic teams. These sessions explain what to expect on the day of surgery, review pain management options and help patients understand the days and weeks of recovery ahead.

"Patients go into their surgery a lot more confident, more ready to tackle the procedure and how to go home comfortably and safely." Says Melissa.

And when patients arrive for surgery, that support and individualized care continues.

Nurses and nurse practitioners are hands-on at the bedside, continually monitoring patient pain levels and progress on rehabilitation. They're consummate professionals that specialize in caring for patients in orthopaedics. Physical and occupational therapists are available seven days a week for any questions or concerns.

"The orthopaedic team at MFSH goes above and beyond," says Melissa. "They're knowledgeable and they work together seamlessly with PT/OT - in the hospital and when patients return home. Our patients leave with a plan."

That coordinated approach to care is one reason MFSH was recognized in March 2026 by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York with a Blue Distinction® Centers+ (BDC+) for Knee and Hip Replacement designation.

This program identifies hospitals and ambulatory care centers (ASCs) that demonstrate expertise in patient safety, deliver better health outcomes and are more cost-effective. Quality assessments are based on objective measures developed from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association's (BCBSA) partnership with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

For patients, the benefits of MFSH for joint replacement far outnumber any offered by an outpatient clinic.

"…it's peace of mind. It can be as simple as that," Dr. Binkley says. "I've had many, many patients through the years, they grew up being close to Suburban, going to Suburban for their care. And from a comfort level, they feel extremely happy having their procedure done at Suburban, secondary to that, which makes sense. But also, there's the patients that you're on the fence of whether they're able to go home or not go home, that at the hospital we have the choice of either."

Dr. Binkley further explains that having surgery at MFSH means that a dedicated physical and occupational therapy team is right there with you, as well as nurse practitioners that have specialized in orthopaedic recovery. From the moment you wake up, you have a team with a plan and everything you need to thrive.

As joint replacement continues to evolve, MFSH remains focused on combining advances in technology and recovery with the personalized care patients need to feel confident throughout the process.

"We are committed to doing what's best for our patients and committed to successful outcomes," Dr. Binkley says. "We are constantly reviewing and reevaluating our process and how it works for the patient. Suburban has really stepped up to advancing our practice in order to meet the needs of the patients today."

Read more about Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital's joint replacement program >