Joint Replacement

Hip Replacement

For many patients, a hip operation can greatly increase one's ability to move without pain, fostering a return to a more active and healthy lifestyle.

The hip is one of the body’s largest joints. It is a ball-and-socket joint. The acetabulum (socket) is part of the large pelvis bone. The ball is the femoral head, which is the upper end of the femur (thighbone).

The bone surfaces of the ball and socket are normally covered with cartilage, a smooth tissue that cushions the ends of the bones and enables them to move easily. The ball rotates in the socket to permit you to move your leg forward, backward and away from your body. In the damaged hip, the cartilage is worn and can no longer serve as the cushion. The damaged bones rub together and the surface becomes rough—this results in pain, swelling, and decreased movement and mobility.

Total Hip Replacement

In this operation, the upper portion of the femur (thigh bone) is cut so that it is able to accept a metal stem which has an artificial ball on the top. The ball then fits into an artificial socket that is secured to the patient’s pelvic bone.

Revisions of Hip Replacement

For patients who have had previous hip surgery, there are times when the parts wear out, break or need adjusting. Revisions can mean replacement of some or all the parts of a previous artificial hip.

Hemiarthroplasty

Typically used for fractures of the hip in some patients, this operation essentially replaces a broken ball joint but not the socket.

Knee Replacement

Knee surgery is designed to help relieve pain and allow patients to be more active. Your physician may recommend replacement surgery if you have chronic knee pain caused by arthritis or injury.

The knee is the largest joint in the body and having healthy knees is required to perform most everyday activities. In addition to bending and straightening, your knee also rotates. It should glide smoothly while remaining well aligned and stable, allowing you to walk and perform daily activities.

The knee is made up of the lower end of the thighbone (femur), the upper end of the shinbone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). The ends of where these three bones touch are covered with articular cartilage, a smooth substance that protects the bones and enables them to move easily.

Large ligaments hold the femur and tibia together and provide stability. The thigh muscles give the knee strength.

All remaining surfaces of the knee are covered by a thin lining called the synovial membrane. This membrane releases a fluid that lubricates the cartilage, reducing friction in a healthy knee. Normally, all of these components work in harmony. But disease or injury can disrupt this harmony, resulting in pain, muscle weakness and reduced function.

Complete Knee Replacement

In this procedure, damaged cartilage and bone is removed from the surface of your knee joints at both the femur and tibia bones. New metal surfaces are placed onto the bones and a piece of specialized plastic fits in between, allowing the knee to bend smoothly.

Partial Knee Replacement

If you have arthritis in only one part of the knee, then that is the only part that the surgeon will replace.

Knee Revisions

A revision may be necessary if the plastic between the metal portions of the replacement wears out; the replacement is damaged or becomes loose, or needs adjustment. Pre-surgical exams usually give surgeons an excellent idea of what is wrong with the knee so they know what they will need to replace.

If shoulder pain due to arthritis or injury cannot be managed with lifestyle modifications or medications, then your physician may recommend shoulder surgery to reduce pain and increase range of motion.

Total Shoulder Replacement

Used for patients with arthritis pain despite other treatments. This procedure involves removing the arthritic bone from the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder and replacing those parts.

Hemiarthroplasty Shoulder Replacement

Sometimes called a “partial” shoulder replacement, this procedure is usually done for patients with shoulder fractures or arthritis. The surgeon will replace the ball joint, but not the socket.

Reverse-Ball Total Shoulder Replacement

A different style of replacement that provides relief for the patient with arthritis as well as a torn rotator cuff, or what’s called rotator cuff anthropathy. Since the rotator cuff is critical in the function of the shoulder, a torn rotator cuff requires a different type of replacement. The procedure allows the muscles and tendons to do the job of the rotator cuff, helping reduce pain and increase motion.