Joint Replacement

What is joint replacement?

Joint replacement is an orthopedic surgery that removes damaged or diseased tissue, usually bone. It replaces it with artificial parts made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. The artificial joint mimics the structure and movement of your natural joint, relieving pain and restoring your mobility.

Who can benefit from joint replacement surgery?

Most joint ailments respond well to conservative, at-home care like ice, rest, elevation, and over-the-counter pain medication. If these treatments don’t relieve your symptoms or your pain gets worse, you’re likely a candidate for joint replacement. That’s especially true if you have a degenerative condition like osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis.

How do I prepare for joint replacement?

Before the Center for Orthopaedics team recommends joint replacement, they review your medical history and ask you about your symptoms. During the consultation, let your provider know about the medications, supplements, and vitamins you take regularly.

Also, let your provider know if you have a chronic health problem like diabetes or kidney disease. These conditions won’t prevent you from undergoing joint replacement. But they can increase your risk of developing complications, so it’s essential that they’re stable and cared for.

What happens during joint replacement?

Joint replacement is done in a hospital and usually takes 2-3 hours. During surgery, you’re placed under a general anesthetic to ensure that you remain comfortable.

Once you fall asleep, your surgeon makes a small incision over the affected joint. They insert special tools through the incision and carefully remove the damaged or diseased portions of the joint and surrounding tissue.

Your provider then inserts the artificial joint through the incision. They secure it, close your incision, and move you to recovery for observation. You stay in the hospital for several days following surgery.

What kind of joint replacements are available?

At the Center for Orthopaedics, the team offers several joint replacements, including:

• Total hip replacement surgery
• Mako® SmartRobotic™ total hip replacement surgery
• Partial hip replacement surgery
• Total knee replacement surgery
• Partial knee replacement surgery
• Mako SmartRobotic surgery (total and partial knee replacement)
• Total shoulder replacement surgery
• Reverse shoulder replacement surgery
• Ankle replacement surgery

Following a review of your health history and a discussion of your treatment goals, your provider can develop a custom care plan.

To learn more about joint replacement, schedule an appointment at the Center for Orthopaedics. Call the office today or click the online scheduling feature.