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Orthopedics & Sports Medicine located in Santa Monica, Torrance and Corona Del Mar, CA1
Joint Replacement Q & A
What is joint replacement surgery?
Joint replacement surgery is a medical procedure that removes damaged parts of a joint and replaces them with implants to improve joint structure and function. Joints that can be replaced include:
- Shoulders
- Hips
- Knees
- Ankles
- Elbows
- Wrists
There are two categories of joint replacement: partial and total joint replacements.
Partial joint replacement
In a partial joint replacement, only one side of the joint is replaced. This means that your surgeon modifies one joint surface by removing damaged tissue and inserting a smooth, fixed implant to your bone. That way, the other joint surface — like the ball portion of your ball-and-socket joints, for example — can move normally.
Total joint replacement
In a total joint replacement, your surgeon replaces both sides of the joint. This can include both the ball and socket of your shoulder or hip or both surfaces of your knee joint. Depending on the severity of your condition, your surgeon recommends the procedure that best meets your needs.
When is joint replacement recommended?
A joint replacement is recommended if you experience moderate to severe pain or functional issues that significantly impair your range of motion, mobility, or quality of life.
The team at Artemis Health takes into account your overall health, lifestyle, and desired level of activity when determining if joint replacement is the best option for you.
How is a joint replacement procedure performed?
The Artemis Health team often performs minimally invasive joint replacements, which involve fewer and smaller incisions than traditional open surgeries, allowing for faster healing and less risk of infection.
The team can perform robotic-assisted surgeries called MAKOplasty® for osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, too.
During your surgery, your doctor makes small incisions to access the surgical site. Your doctor places a thin cable with a light and camera into your joint to visualize the area.
Using tiny surgical tools, your doctor removes damaged tissue from the joint and places a prosthesis over the ends of your bones using surgical cement for bonding. They may use prosthetic devices from Conformis, which are customizable for comfort and longevity.
Your doctor uses muscle-sparing techniques to avoid cutting muscles, which means a faster and easier recovery. Once the procedure is complete, your doctor removes the equipment from your joint and closes the incisions with surgical tape or glue and applies appropriate bandages.
How long does it take to recover after joint replacement?
The length of your recovery depends on the location and extent of your surgery — whether a partial or total joint replacement.
Most initial recovery periods last about 12 weeks. During this time, you complete physical therapy and can perform gentle exercises as approved by your doctor. After 12 weeks, you can often return to your normal activities.
Find out how joint replacement can help you feel and move better by calling Artemis Health now.