Joint Replacement Specialist

Joint Replacement Q & A

What is joint replacement?

Joint replacement involves a surgical procedure that allows for replacing a total or part of a diseased or severely damaged joint with a prosthesis. Prosthetic joints are made with durable metals and plastic materials that are designed to restore joint function. Each is sized to closely match your normal anatomy prior to the degeneration or injury that damaged your joint.

What joints can be replaced?

Joint replacement surgery provided by the surgeons at Orthopedic Specialists includes:

• Minimally invasive total hip and knee joint replacement
• Partial knee and hip replacement
• Custom shoulder joint replacement
• Reverse total shoulder replacement for patients with rotator cuff insufficiency 
• Elbow, wrist, and finger joint replacement
• Ankle joint replacement

The surgeons at Orthopedic Specialists also offer hip resurfacing. This is a type of hip replacement during which the uppermost, ball-shaped portion of the thighbone (femoral head) is trimmed and capped with a smooth metal covering rather than being removed and replaced.

How long does it take to heal after joint replacement?

Before scheduling a joint replacement, your doctor discusses the surgery in detail, including what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Generally, however, full recovery following joint replacement varies and often depends on which joint was replaced.

Most patients can return to work within six weeks, depending on how active your job is, and your pain should diminish significantly during that time as well. Otherwise, it may take from three to 12 months to heal completely after a total knee or shoulder replacement. You might experience full recovery after a total hip replacement within one to six months.

Without exception, however, the speed and extent of your recovery rely on your willingness to actively participate in physical rehabilitation. Your rehab program is designed to diminish pain, restore joint function, and improve your strength and flexibility.

You can expect to return to Orthopedic Specialists for formal physical therapy sessions and receive specific instructions about performing home exercises. Skipping a step or proceeding too quickly through the process can delay healing.

Advances in medical materials and surgical techniques continue to increase the effectiveness of joint replacement, so there’s no need to suffer from dysfunctional and painful joints. Call Orthopedic Specialists or use online booking to schedule a consultation today.