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Total joint replacement is a common surgery, with over 850,000 knee replacements and 450,000 hip replacements performed annually in the US. If arthritis or an injury makes a joint replacement necessary, rely on the skilled orthopedic surgeons at Austin Sports Medicine located in Central and South Austin, with additional offices in Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas. Learn more by calling the office or booking your appointment online today.
Total Joint Replacement Q & A
What is a total joint replacement?
A total joint replacement, also known as arthroplasty, uses a prosthetic implant to take the place of damaged or worn-out cartilage or bone. The most common joint repaired this way is the knee, but providers can also replace:
- Hips
- Elbows
- Shoulders
- Ankles
- Finger and toe joints
- Wrists
As opposed to joint resurfacing (partial arthroplasty), which only replaces parts of a joint, a total replacement provides you with a strong, fully prosthetic joint.
Would I benefit from a total joint replacement?
The Austin Sports Medicine team may recommend joint replacement if you suffer from regular joint swelling or stiffness or a medical condition like:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint abnormalities
- Severe fractures
- Avascular necrosis
The team thoroughly examines you and discusses your symptoms and goals before developing your treatment plan.
How can I prepare for a total joint replacement?
The team evaluates your health with lab testing, such as blood work, before recommending you undergo surgery. Some medications, such as blood thinners, increase the risk of surgical complications, so list your prescription medications and supplements for your provider.
The Austin Sports Medicine team develops a preoperative care plan before your total joint replacement surgery. This plan may include lifestyle changes such as weight loss and diet modifications, as well as physical therapy.
What can I expect during a total joint replacement?
Austin Sports Medicine performs joint replacement surgery under general anesthesia at a nearby hospital.
Once you’re asleep, your surgeon makes small incisions and removes the damaged joint tissue. Then, they replace it with an artificial joint and close the incisions. After bandaging the area, the team moves you to a recovery suite.
You can expect your procedure to take 60-90 minutes. Depending on the type of surgery you have, it may take longer.
What happens after a total joint replacement?
A total joint replacement typically requires one or two nights in the hospital. Some pain is normal, and you may need mobility aids like a walker for a while. Physical therapy is a vital part of returning to healthy function, and the team can help you take proper care of your incision.
To learn more about total joint replacement, reach out to Austin Sports Medicine to schedule an appointment or consult online today.