Your Complete Guide to Joint Replacement

Chronic joint pain is the result of damage and prolonged wear-and-tear to the cartilage in the joints (where the ends of two or more bones meet). It is often caused by arthritis, injury, overuse due to sports or physical activity, or excess weight caused by obesity.

If nonsurgical treatments including medications, physical therapy, and activity modifications do not relieve pain and help to restore mobility, total joint replacement may be recommended.

Joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which parts of a damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic, or ceramic device called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint.

Experienced Joint Replacement Specialists

At Catholic Health, our team of experienced orthopedic surgeons is dedicated to restoring your mobility to help you achieve a pain-free, active lifestyle. We utilize the latest surgical techniques and minimally invasive procedures to deliver successful outcomes.

Hip and knee replacements are the most commonly performed joint replacements, but replacement surgery can be performed on other joints, including the ankle, wrist, shoulder, and elbow.

Types of Joint Replacement

Surgical replacement of damaged joints with artificial joint devices. Commonly performed on hips, knees, and shoulders. It is highly effective in relieving pain and restoring mobility for patients with severe joint damage.

Surgically replaces only the damaged part of the joint, to preserve as much of the natural joint as possible.

A surgical procedure to remove or replace part of or all of the original artificial device.

Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint Replacement Surgery

General Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that replaces or repairs damaged joints to restore function and relieve pain.

During the surgery, the damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the joint and replaced with prosthetic components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. The prosthesis mimics the shape and movement of a natural joint. Our orthopedic surgical team uses the most advanced technology to perform the following procedures:

  • Total Hip Replacement
  • Total Knee Replacement
  • Shoulder Joint Replacement
  • Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
  • Total Elbow Replacement
  • Wrist Joint Replacement (Wrist Arthroplasty)
  • Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
  • Patellofemoral Replacement

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Catholic Health’s orthopedic surgeons use the most advanced, minimally invasive technology to perform various procedures, including:

MAKOplasty® Partial Knee Resurfacing is a robotic arm-assisted procedure designed to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis in the knee. The surgeon-controlled robotic arm ensures optimal positioning and placement to target only the diseased portion of the knee, while sparing healthy bone, tissue and ligaments.

MAKOplasty® Partial Knee Resurfacing is a robotic arm-assisted procedure designed to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis in the knee. The surgeon-controlled robotic arm ensures optimal positioning and placement to target only the diseased portion of the knee, while sparing healthy bone, tissue and ligaments.

Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty uses advanced implant technology with a unique knee implant, known as a press-fit implant that is fixed to the bone without the use of bone cement. This procedure is designed to allow your natural bone to grow into the implant, creating a strong, long-term bond without the use of cement.

The Jiffy Knee™ procedure is a muscle- and tendon-sparing approach designed to preserve soft tissue. Rather than cutting the quadriceps tendon or major muscles, the surgeon uses specialized instruments and techniques to gently mobilize and slide soft tissues aside to access the knee joint. This procedure is offered at St. Joseph Hospital.

By preserving the surrounding tissue, many patients experience a quicker, more comfortable recovery and can return to daily activities sooner than with traditional approaches.

Benefits of this less invasive procedure may include:

  • Reduced early postoperative pain and swelling
  • Reduced need for pain medication (often a single prescription)
  • Faster improvements in range of motion
  • Earlier transition off walkers and assistive devices
  • Quicker return to work and recreational activities

Advanced Care for Faster Recovery

Catholic Health orthopedic surgeons are experts in commonly performed knee and hip replacement procedures as well as joint replacement of the ankle, elbow and shoulder. Minimally invasive procedures are used whenever possible.

We also offer a robust orthopedic rehabilitation program for post-surgical care. This includes experienced specialists who focus on getting you moving again and resuming your normal activities.

doctor examining leg

 

Surgical Care Programs

Our joint replacement programs provide helpful information to patients preparing for and recovering from joint replacement surgery - both in the hospital and at home.

The Prehab Program at Good Samaritan University Hospital St. Charles Campus helps you understand what to expect after joint replacement surgery and what you should know before your outpatient rehabilitation begins. This program is available to any patient registered for joint replacement surgery at a Catholic Health hospital.

Before your procedure, you will have a one-on-one visit with a licensed physical therapist who will provide the following services:

  • Assess your home environment to promote safety.
  • Evaluate your baseline range of motion and strength before surgery.
  • Help you understand your weight-bearing options and precautions after surgery.
  • Provide a comprehensive home exercise program to help you become familiar with typical post-surgical exercises.
  • Show you gait training exercises using assistive devices that are appropriate for level surfaces and stairs.
  • Tailor training and education to best suit your needs.

The Joint Endeavor Program at Mercy Hospital offers education, exercise, lifestyle evaluation and rehabilitation for patients preparing for and recovering from joint replacement surgery.

Our orthopedic team assists you by:

  • Tailoring an appropriate plan of care, including education and home evaluation before surgery.
  • Ensuring effective communication with you and your family/caretakers during pre- and post-surgery.
  • Minimizing complications through advanced care.
  • Ensuring you return to normal function as quickly as possible.

Catholic Health hospitals participate in Medicare’s Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) Program.