McLaren Flint Orthopedics

Am I a candidate for a hip joint replacement?

Who is a candidate for a hip joint replacement procedure?

This surgery is most commonly done to relieve severe arthritis, which can wear down the hip joint. People with other conditions, such as injury, bone tumors and avascular necrosis, or a loss of bone caused by a lack of blood supply also need a hip joint replaced. An individual is usually advised to consider surgery when the following conditions apply:

• The pain is severe enough to restrict not only work and recreation but also the normal activities of daily living.
• The pain is not relieved by arthritis medications.
• The person is not helped by the use of a cane or walker.
• There is significant stiffness of the hip that limits activities.
• Joint X-rays show advanced arthritis or other severe problems.

After the procedure and going home

What happens after a hip procedure | going home from the hospital?

While in the hospital, the individual will begin physical therapy to strengthen the hip. He or she will also learn how to perform the activities of daily living in ways that can prevent injury to the new hip. For example, proper ways to bend and sit are taught. Most people are sent home from the hospital the same day or next day. By the time the person leaves the hospital, he or she should be able to get around using a walker or a cane. Physical therapy will continue after going home from the hospital. Complete recovery from this surgery usually takes three to six months.

Am I a candidate for a knee replacement?

Who is a candidate for a knee joint replacement procedure?

Knee joint replacement may be used for long-standing knee pain or arthritis that has not responded to treatment with medication. It may also be used when arthritis causes the knee to function poorly, or for some knee fractures. The procedure is used for people who have a great deal of knee pain. This pain is so severe that the person cannot work, has trouble sleeping, and cannot walk more than three blocks.

After the procedure and going home

What happens after a knee procedure | going home from the hospital?

While in the hospital the person will have physical therapy to learn exercises to strengthen the knee. The person will start bearing weight on the knee and using a walker the day of surgery. He or she will also be taught how to climb stairs. Most people are discharged from the hospital the same day or the day after the operation. By the time the person is ready to go home, he or she should be able to get around with a walker. People use a walker for a week depending on physical therapy, then transition to a cane or walking stick. Physical therapy is continued after leaving the hospital for approximately four to six weeks.

About 90% of artificial knee joints last for 10 years, and 80% last for 20 years. This often depends on the person’s activity level, weight and general health.