Joint Replacement

What is joint replacement?

Your joints are made up of bones and soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, that connect two bones together. If your joints are worn down because of age-related wear-and-tear or an injury, joint replacement can usually help. It’s a procedure that replaces all or part of a worn-down joint with artificial parts.

What are the benefits of joint replacement?

Some of the benefits you can expect after recovering from joint replacement surgery include:

• Less pain
• Reduced stiffness
• Easier mobility
• Stronger joints
• Improved range of motion
• Lower risk of future joint problems

Artificial joints are strong and long-lasting. They can dramatically improve your ability to stay active and your overall quality of life.

Is joint replacement right for me?

To find out if you’re a candidate for a joint replacement procedure, the Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine team reviews your symptoms and medical history with you. They check your vital signs and complete a physical exam, paying close attention to painful joints and looking for signs of tissue damage.

Specialists may order blood tests and imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans, to determine the extent of any joint damage you have. You might need a joint replacement in your shoulder, knee, hip, or another damaged joint. 

How should I prepare for joint replacement surgery?

To get ready for joint replacement surgery, follow your pre-surgery instructions. Don’t smoke, stop taking certain medications if your surgeon asks you to, and arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home after the procedure. 

Avoid eating and drinking on the morning of your scheduled surgery if your specialist says to do so.

What happens during joint replacement?

Before the surgery, you receive general anesthesia to make you fall asleep or spinal anesthesia to numb certain parts of your body. Either way, you won’t feel any pain. 

Your surgeon makes an incision, removes damaged parts of an affected joint, and replaces them with artificial components. They then close the incision and take you to a recovery area.

What should I expect after the procedure?

You might go home the same day as your surgery or stay in a surgery center for a day or two. Take all medications as directed by your provider, get plenty of rest, and ice the treatment area. You might wear a brace, sling, or boot during the healing process. 

Follow all of your post-surgery instructions, including attending physical therapy sessions and your scheduled follow-up visits at Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. Complete healing could take several weeks or months. 

Avoid strenuous activity until your specialist gives you the go-ahead, and also refrain from certain high-impact activities if they ask you to.

To find out if you’re a candidate for joint replacement surgery at Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, call the office nearest you, or schedule an appointment online today.