Joint Replacement

A growing number of men and women are undergoing joint replacement to alleviate the pain and stiffness that can come from damaged joints. This increasingly common procedure can vastly improve quality of life in patients who suffer daily pain which does not respond to physical therapy or treatment with medications.

At Medical Specialists Department of Orthopedics, our orthopedic surgery specialists can help you determine if you are a good candidate for joint replacement surgery.

Joint Replacement Explained

Joint replacement surgery removes all or part of a damaged joint and replaces it with a new, prosthetic one. The state-of-the-art prostheses that we use can be made of plastic, metal, or a combination of both, and typically last at least 10 to 15 years. Our Indiana orthopedic surgeons perform full and partial joint replacements on patients of varying ages, most commonly on the hips and knees.

Why Joints Need to Be Replaced

Joints can be damaged by diseases, injuries and congenital conditions, or they can simply wear down over many years of use. Damaged joints can cause pain, swelling, and restricted range of motion, which may severely impact quality of life. A damaged joint may also limit blood flow to the bones, which can bring about a host of other problems.

One of the main causes of joint damage is arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases. For this reason, our joint replacement surgeons work closely with our rheumatology specialists for optimal diagnosis and treatment. This collaborative, comprehensive approach distinguishes Medical Specialists as one of the preeminent healthcare organizations in the Midwest.

Your Joint Replacement Procedure

First, you will undergo an MRI at our on-site, state-of-the-art medical imaging center.  Your overall health must be evaluated, and any other medical conditions must be addressed prior to surgery. Once your orthopedic surgeon has determined that you are a candidate, you will undergo your surgery, which typically takes 1 to 2 hours. You will remain hospitalized for a few days following your procedure, but elderly or disabled patients may need to recuperate in an intermediate care facility. Discomfort will be managed with medications, and your pain level will be carefully monitored by your physician. It is likely that you will begin walking with assistance on the day of your surgery or the following day.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Medical Specialists offers two full service physical therapy centers for your convenience and optimal care. Our highly trained physical therapists can begin working with you the day after your surgery to help you build the muscles surrounding the joint and restore strength and mobility. During your rehabilitation, you will be supported by a team of caring professionals, including physical therapists, nurses, and physicians. Depending on the joint replaced and the extent of the procedure, you may need to continue physical therapy for up to 6 weeks to achieve the desired range of motion and strength.

If you would like to learn more about this or any of our medical specialties, or schedule an appointment, please call 219-836-0296.