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Joint
Replacement
Total joint replacement is when an arthritic or damaged joint is replaced by an
artificial joint (called a prosthesis).
Indications for a total joint
replacement include
incapacitating pain, combined
with physical exam and
radiographic findings (X-rays)
consistent with arthritis or
joint degeneration.
The goal of total joint replacement
surgery is to relieve your pain,
and regain function in the
affected joint. This will
help
make everyday tasks easier, and
improve your quality of life.
Our surgeons are trained to
perform shoulder, hip, knee, and
ankle replacements, using a
minimally invasive technique
when possible.
All of our total joint
replacements are performed at
Summit Medical
Center, as an inpatient
procedure. On the morning of
surgery, you will check in, and
be prepped for surgery. Prior
to the procedure you will
receive an anesthetic, and
either a nerve block (shoulder,
knee, and ankle replacements),
or a spinal (hip replacement).
During surgery, the surgeon will
remove the damaged ends of the
bones within the affected
joint. Then, s/he will reshape
the remaining healthy bone, and
replace the damaged joint with
metal components (titanium
alloy) and plastic
(polyethylene).
After surgery,
you will be admitted to the
hospital. The length of your
hospital stay depends on the
type of surgery performed.
With ankle and shoulder
replacements, the hospital stay
is 1-2 days. With hip and knee
replacements, the hospital stay
is 3-5 days. Some patients
require further care at a
rehabilitation facility after a
hip or knee replacement. This
is arranged before your
discharge from the hospital.
You will have routine office
visits after surgery for the
first six months, and then on a
yearly basis, to make sure you
and your new joint are healing
well. You will have
routine office visits after
surgery for the first six
months, and then on a yearly
basis, to make sure you and your
new joint are healing well.
For more detailed information
regarding each of the total
joint replacement surgeries,
including risks, benefits, and
alternatives, as well as what to
expect before and after surgery,
please click on the appropriate
link below:
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