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Joint replacement surgery restores freedom of movement and brings dramatic pain relief to knee, hip or shoulder joints. With these surgeries, an orthopedic surgeon removes the arthritic or damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial joint. After recovery, patients are usually able to walk and resume their prior level of daily activities without pain or stiffness.
Is it time to see an orthopedic surgeon about your joint pain?
Questions for your Doctor
Total and Partial knee Replacement
What is total knee replacement?
It is a surgical procedure where worn, diseased or damaged surfaces of a knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial surfaces. The artificial joint or prosthesis has two components that are usually made of titanium metal with a chrome-cobalt lining and a high density plastic called polyethylene. The materials used are not only strong and durable, but also optimal for joint function as they produce as little friction as possible. Knee replacement surgery can help relieve pain and get you back to enjoying normal, everyday activities. For those who have become bow-legged or knock-kneed over the years, it can also straighten the leg into a more natural position.
Should you consider total knee replacement surgery?
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends talking to your doctor about surgery if:
- Severe pain limits your daily activities
- You have difficulty walking more than a few blocks without pain
- You experience knee pain while resting
- You have chronic knee swelling that rest and medication don’t help
- You have difficulty bending and straightening your knee
Is there an alternative to total knee replacement?
Total knee replacement surgery may be recommended after careful diagnosis of your joint problem. Other treatment options including medications, injections, physical therapy [link where?]or other types of surgery may be discussed and considered.
OtisKnee Total Knee Replacement
With this surgery, an orthopedic surgeon removes the arthritic or damaged joint and replaces it with a custom-fit knee, matching the size and placement of the implant to each patient's unique and normal (nonarthritic) knee anatomy. This means the knee fits the individual patient and only that patient. The result, says Stephen Howell, MD, is a faster and less painful recovery, a quicker return to normal living activities and a more natural feeling knee.
Oxford Partial Knee Joint Replacement
This minimally invasive procedure is used when a patient has arthritis only in limited parts of the knee. Unlike a total joint replacement, only the diseased portion is replaced, removing 75% less bone and cartilage and allowing ligaments to remain intact. The Oxford® knee is the first partial implant with a unique mobile meniscal bearing which is designed to glide freely throughout the knee’s range of motion to more closely replicate normal movement.
The key benefits of the Oxford® Partial Knee Replacement include:
- Healthy muscles and ligaments are preserved
- Less blood loss, tissue damage and scarring
- Less opportunity for post-operative infections
- Shorter hospital stay
- Rapid recovery of function
Total Hip Replacement
What is hip replacement?
It is a surgical procedure that re-forms the hip joint. The damaged ball-and/or-socket is replaced with an artificial joint or prosthesis that may be composed of titanium or ceramic materials and may also include a high density plastic called polyethylene. Your surgeon will do a comprehensive, individualized assessment to determine the option that best suits you.
Hip replacement surgery can help relieve pain and get you back to everyday activities that were once very painful such as climbing up and down stairs, sitting or standing for extended periods of time and getting in and out of cars.
Who should have hip replacement?
Hip replacement surgery may be considered when arthritis limits your everyday activities such as walking and bending, when pain continues while resting or stiffness in your hip limits your ability to move or lift your leg.
Is there an alternative to hip replacement?
Hip replacement may be recommended only after careful diagnosis of your joint problem. You may benefit from surgery only if you have little pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, you have harmful or unpleasant side effects from your hip medications, or other treatments such as physical therapy do not relieve pain.
Comprehensive Care Program for Joint Replacement Patients
We offer a continuum of care for patients including services such as:
- Pre-surgery Class: Interactive presentations by the Nurse, Case Manager and Rehab staff to educate patients, alleviate their fears and prepare them for upcoming surgery
- Specialized individual and group Physical Therapy sessions during the hospital stay to ensure rapid recovery of function
- Comprehensive Outpatient Physical Therapy services, including free membership for one month in Methodist’s Aquatic Therapy program
- Patient Navigator Program, with one point of contact to guide patients through pre and post operative process as well as their hospital stay
To find an orthopedic surgeon near you, visit our online
physician directory
or call us toll-free at (888) 800-7688 for a personal referral.
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