Joint Replacement Resources

In a healthy body, the ends of the bones are covered with cartilage, a rubbery material that provides a cushion and prevents bones from rubbing together. Over time, arthritis can cause the cartilage to break down, resulting in severe pain and swelling as well as a loss of motion in the joints. When there is no other alternative treatment, the solution is total joint replacement.

During a total joint replacement, your joint replacement surgeon removes the damaged joint, like your hip, knee, or shoulder joint and replaces it with a new, artificial joint made of durable synthetic materials. This procedure requires skill and precision, so it’s essential to have an experienced team like the expert surgeons at Saint Agnes.

You don’t have to live with chronic pain or let arthritis hold you back. If joint pain is keeping you from enjoying day-to-day activities like walking, climbing stairs or limiting your ability to work, you may benefit from a total joint replacement at Saint Agnes.

We have a unique system in place to ease patients’ fears and enable you to be pain-free much sooner. Our rapid mobilization involves educating the patient about the recovery process in advance of the surgery, having anesthesiologists provide pain therapy, and employing an aggressive approach to rehabilitation therapy, which enables patients to take their first steps the same night as the surgery.

Yes. We specialize in hip, knee, and shoulder replacement surgery. Our team comprises total joint replacement surgeons, doctors, nurses and physical and occupational therapists.

Patients from around the world have sought our award-winning orthopedic care. The orthopedic surgeons at Saint Agnes Hospital are some of the most experienced surgeons in the region. They are constantly pursuing the latest methods to make joint replacement surgery as minimally invasive as possible, which cuts down on postoperative pain and time spent in recovery.

We also involve you in the process every step of the way. This way, you know exactly what to expect. Your experience begins with a pre-surgery class, where you’ll learn more about your upcoming procedure and have an opportunity to ask questions. After your surgery, our caring rehabilitation team guides you through the recovery process.

The individualized multidisciplinary care at the Orthopedic & Spine Institute at Saint Agnes is unique. From pre-op to surgery to post-op care, it’s a very coordinated team effort. A key element is Saint Agnes’ pre-op class which informs you about what to expect and what is expected of you. You’ll learn how to prepare for surgery, about the entire process from arrival to surgery to discharge, what the hospital stay will be like, and what life will be like after you leave the hospital. The classes decrease anxiety and explain the post-op experience. Everyone is on the same page. The entire process – not just the surgery but also the education and follow-up – is emphasized at Saint Agnes.

Your team at Saint Agnes will do their best to help you return to the pain-free lifestyle that you had before joint pain. Your surgeon and rehabilitation team will help you decide what activities are best for the health and longevity of your joints.

Yes. You should discuss preoperative physical therapy/exercise options with your joint replacement surgeon. Exercises should begin as soon as possible.

Most joint replacements last more than 10-15 years. However, there is no guarantee and a second replacement may be necessary.