Joint Replacement Program
The Joint Replacement Program at St. Joseph’s Health is a leading program in the nation, performing over 3,500 procedures each year. Our Joint replacement team comprises fellowship-trained surgeons with extensive experience and expertise in total joint replacement, providing patients with the best possible care.
Whether you're experiencing hip joint pain or knee pain due to arthritis, injury, bone deformities, inflammation, or aging, our board-certified orthopedic doctors can help. We understand that each patient's pain tolerance is different, and when the pain becomes intolerable and affects your ability to walk and move, it's time to seek medical treatment with a skill orthopedic doctor.
We offer a range of common procedures to help relieve joint pain and restore mobility, including:
Common Hip Procedures:
- Hip Replacement
- Hip Resurfacing
- Revision Hip Replacement Surgery
- Anterior/Superior Approach Total Hip Replacement with minimally invasive incisions
Common Knee Procedures:
- Knee Replacement
- Revision Knee Replacement Surgery
- Computer Assisted Knee Replacement
- Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
- Computer Assisted Partial Knee Replacement
Our team of skilled surgeons will work with you to determine the best course of treatment based on your unique circumstances and medical history. At the St. Joseph’s Health, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care to help our patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
Learn more about Joint Replacement
What is Joint replacement surgery?
Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is a common orthopedic procedure that involves the removal and replacement of a damaged joint with an artificial joint, also called a prosthesis. The most common joints replaced are the hip and knee joints, although joints such as the shoulder, elbow, and ankle can also be replaced.
When is Joint Replacement Recommended?
Joint replacement surgery is typically recommended when other treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, have failed to provide relief for chronic joint pain and disability. Joint replacement may be recommended for a variety of conditions, including:
Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the joint to wear away over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joint lining, leading to pain, swelling, and damage to the joint.
Post-traumatic arthritis: a form of arthritis that develops after an injury to the joint, such as a fracture or dislocation.
Avascular necrosis: a condition in which the blood supply to the bone in the joint is interrupted, leading to the death of the bone tissue and eventual collapse of the joint.
What Happens During Joint Replacement Surgery?
Joint replacement surgery is typically performed under general regional anesthesia, although general anesthesia may also be used. During the surgery, the surgeon will make an incision near the joint and remove the damaged bone and cartilage. The artificial joint is then implanted, and the incision is closed with sutures or staples.
You will be discharged home as soon as you are safely able so you can recover in your own environment. This may be as early as the evening of your surgery or the next morning. Physical therapy will be an important part of the recovery process, helping the patient regain strength, mobility, and flexibility in the joint.
What are the Benefits of Joint Replacement?
Joint replacement surgery can offer significant benefits for patients with chronic joint pain and disability. Some of the benefits of joint replacement include:
Reduced pain: Joint replacement can significantly reduce or eliminate chronic joint pain, allowing patients to engage in activities that were previously too painful.
Improved mobility: With a new joint, patients can often regain mobility and range of motion, allowing them to perform daily activities more easily.
Better quality of life: Joint replacement can have a significant positive impact on a patient's quality of life, allowing them to enjoy activities with friends and family, work, and participate in hobbies.
What are the Risks of Joint Replacement?
Like any surgical procedure, joint replacement surgery does carry some risks. These risks include
Infection: There is a risk of infection at the surgical site or in the bloodstream after surgery.
Blood clots: Blood clots can form in the legs or lungs after surgery, which can be life-threatening in some cases.
Prosthesis failure: The artificial joint can wear out or become loose over time, requiring additional surgery to replace it.
Nerve damage: There is a risk of nerve damage during surgery, which can lead to numbness or weakness in the affected limb.
Is Joint Replacement Right for You?
Joint replacement surgery is a highly effective treatment for chronic joint pain and disability, but it may not be the best option for everyone. Your doctor can help you determine if joint replacement surgery is right for you based on your medical history, symptoms, and overall health.
If you are considering joint replacement surgery, it's important to work with an experienced surgeon who specializes in joint replacement. Your surgeon can help you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, and help you decide if joint replacement is the right choice for you. Ultimately, joint replacement surgery can be a life-changing procedure for people who suffer from chronic joint pain and disability.
