Joint Replacements

Explore joint replacements at NMC Health

As we all work to maintain healthy, active lifestyles sometimes our bodies can’t quite keep up with us and we’re left with stiff joints or joint pain.

Joint replacement surgery can relieve that pain and help you move and feel better. The two most common types of joint replacements are hip replacements and knee replacements.

During surgery, an orthopedic surgeon replaces a damaged joint, such as a hip, knee or shoulder with a new one. Doctors typically use protheses made with medical grade metals, ceramics or plastics to form the new joint.

If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the NMC Health Medical Center Emergency Department.

Mako SmartRobotics Robotic Arm-Assisted Surgery

NMC Health is the second hospital in the state to offer Stryker’s Make Robotic Arm-Assisted technology for joint replacements. This latest advancement in joint replacement surgery is transforming the way procedures are performed.

NMC board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. J. Scott Pigg is specially trained in robotic arm-assisted surgery.

Each patient is unique and experiences different kinds of joint pain. Pain from arthritis and joint degeneration can be:

Constant
Come and go
Occur with movement
Occur after a period of rest
Located in one spot
Felt in many parts of the body

It is common for patients to try medication and other conservative methods like physical therapy to treat their knee, or hip pain. If you haven’t found adequate relief, you may be a candidate for a total knee, total hip or partial knee replacement.

Hip Replacement

Knee Replacement

Orthopedics

Physical Therapy

FAQs

Who should have a joint replacement?

A hip replacement may be consider when arthritis limits everyday activities like walking or bending. If you have pain that doesn’t stop when you’re resting, it might be time to talk to your doctor.

If your knee is giving you fits and hurts even while walking, going up stairs or getting in and out of chairs, you might want to consider knee replacement surgery.

Is there an alternative to joint replacement surgery?

A joint replacement may be recommended only after an orthopedic surgeon takes a good look at your joints. You’ll want them to rule out any other problem first. Other treatment options include:

Pain medicine or anti-inflammatories like Tylenol or Advil
Injections
Physical therapy
Other types of surgery that are not as invasive

How long is the hospital stay after joint replacement surgery?

After a joint replacement, you’ll probably go home the day after surgery. This is true whether you get a hip replacement or a knee replacement.

Most joint replacement patients begin to stand and walk the day of surgery. A physical therapist will come to your room and start working on movements and exercises with you.

You’ll want to get up and moving as soon as possible to help limit the chance of blood clots in your legs. It also can lower your risk of pneumonia and constipation.

How long is the recovery time after a joint replacement?

Recovery times will vary with each person. If you’ve gotten a hip replacement, your complete recovery may last three to six months after surgery. You’ll want to follow your surgeon’s instructions during the first few weeks after surgery to give yourself time to heal. You may need a walker or crutches for a short time to help with walking.

If you live alone, it might be a good idea to stay at a rehab center for a few days. Your transition will depend on how well you progress after surgery.

You should be able to resume normal, light activities within three to six weeks after surgery. Most people will gradually increase their activities, but you’ll need to hold off on high-intensity sports.