The pain of severely arthritic or damaged joints can be surgically relieved by replacing them with high-tech metal or ceramic implants. More than half of those undergoing joint replacement surgery are women; most are older than age 65.

In most cases, surgeons will use minimally-invasive techniques for joint replacement surgery, which leaves smaller scars and promotes faster recovery. Some surgeons also use computers to assist in zeroing in on where to place the new joints.

Easing the pain

Joint replacement surgery is most often performed on the knees and hips -- the joints which carry much of the body's weight. Although hip and knee replacements are the most common, joint replacement can be performed on other joints, including the ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow and fingers.

Joint replacement surgery patients at Baptist East can expect:

• To prepare for the procedure with a free special pre-surgery class at Baptist East. An aquatic class called Joint Power, specially designed to better prepare joint replacement patients for surgery,  is offered at the Baptist East/Milestone Wellness Center.
• To workout in group physical therapy on the Orthopedic unit.
• The opportunity for more physical therapy at home with the Baptist Hospital East Home Health Agency
• Outpatient Physical Therapy as an option

Range of motion will generally improve after surgery. The extent of improvement will depend on how stiff the joint was before surgery. The Baptist East Physical Therapy department will provide you with exercises to do at home to help increase your range of motion and return to daily activities. Copies of the Total Hip Book and Total Knee Book are available online, PDF format.

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