Hip & Knee Replacement
Does knee or hip pain prevent you from enjoying the things you like to do? Have everyday tasks, like walking up the stairs or getting out of the car, become difficult? Then it may be time to consult with an orthopedic surgeon regarding joint replacement surgery.
We understand that considering joint replacement surgery is a big decision. Our surgeons will be able to diagnose your condition and will then work with you to discuss all your options so you can make the most well-informed decision for your needs.
Our surgeons are skilled in the latest treatment options and surgical techniques for partial and total joint replacement. Some procedures can be performed with the latest advance in technology — Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery — offering surgery that is less invasive and more precise, which means a faster, less painful recovery. Kansas Spine & Specialty Hospital was the first to introduce this technology in Kansas.
At Kansas Spine & Specialty Hospital, the Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology is used for partial knee replacement, total knee replacement, and total hip replacement.
Common Conditions Treated
The most common joint replacement procedures are the hip and knee. The leading causes of joint damage are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint disease, osteonecrosis, and injury or fracture due to trauma, such as a fall or sports-related incident. Obesity can also put strain on the knee and hip joints.
What is Joint Replacement?
During joint replacement surgery, the damaged joint surfaces are replaced with artificial implants designed to replicate the natural joints. The implants may be made of metal, plastic, or a combination of the two. The material used will be based on several factors that include age, weight and activity level. Your surgeon will discuss the best option for you prior to surgery.
Total Joint Replacement
If the knee or hip joint is too worn and damaged for a partial joint replacement, the entire joint surface and, unavoidably, some surrounding muscle or cartilage tissue will be replaced with artificial components.
First, the damaged surfaces are removed so the bone can be resurfaced, and then the implants are positioned. The implants we use at Kansas Spine & Specialty Hospital are designed to enable the artificial joints to move much like a normal, healthy joint. Minimally invasive surgical methods are used when possible to help reduce the likelihood of damage to muscle and tissues, as well as help minimize post-operative pain.
Your surgeon will determine whether you are a candidate for a total knee or total hip replacement using Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery technology. This groundbreaking technology allows our surgeons to achieve greater accuracy in the alignment and positioning of the joint implant, which offers increased success in providing flexibility of the joint and enabling a faster return to the everyday activities you enjoy.
While the recovery process is different for each patient and is dependent on the surgical method, most patients can consider a return to work and light activity after 3 weeks. Full recovery is typically within 6 months.
The lifespan of the artificial implants is dependent on many factors, including age, weight and activity level, but is typically from 10-20 years.
Click here to learn more about Robotic-Arm Assisted total hip replacement.
Partial Joint Replacement
Not all patients suffering from joint pain need to have a total joint replacement. A partial replacement is always the preferred method when possible, especially in younger patients, or patients who are active, as it offers a greater possibility of returning to sports.
With a partial joint replacement, only the damaged area of the joint is replaced. This helps to minimize trauma to the surrounding healthy bone and tissue.
Your orthopedic surgeon will be able to determine whether you’re a candidate for partial joint replacement.
Some patients will be a candidate for a partial knee replacement using Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery technology. The technology assists your surgeons in positioning the implant based on your anatomy, utilizing 3D technology and a customized, pre-surgical plant. The placement of the implant is essential to the overall success of the implant working properly and to the longevity of the implant, as well as to patient comfort.
Click here to learn more about Robotic-Arm Assisted partial knee replacement.
Preparing for Surgery
Prior to surgery, patients must take necessary steps to prepare for the operation. This might include losing weight and increased activity levels appropriate to ability. After surgery, patients may have to remain in the hospital for 3-4 days for a minimally invasive surgery, or up to 2-3 weeks for conventional surgery, depending on the age, gravity of injury and other health factors.
For many, walking and performing exercises the day after surgery will be possible. Patients must also perform appropriate rehabilitation at home to improve long-term success of the joint replacement. These procedures might include physical therapy and taking medication in addition to any other measures prescribed by the patient’s doctor.
Important Information About Hip & Knee Replacement
Hip joint replacement is intended for use in individuals with joint disease resulting from degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, fracture of the neck of the femur or functional deformity of the hip.
Knee joint replacement is intended for use in individuals with joint disease resulting from degenerative, rheumatoid and post-traumatic arthritis, and for moderate deformity of the knee. Joint replacement surgery is not appropriate for patients with certain types of infections, any mental or neuromuscular disorder which would create an unacceptable risk of prosthesis instability, prosthesis fixation failure or complications in postoperative care, compromised bone stock, skeletal immaturity, severe instability of the joint, or excessive body weight.
Like any surgery, joint replacement surgery has serious risks which include, but are not limited to, pain, bone fracture, change in the treated leg length (hip), joint stiffness, hip joint fusion, amputation, peripheral neuropathies (nerve damage), circulatory compromise (including deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs)), genitourinary disorders (including kidney failure), gastrointestinal disorders (including paralytic ileus (loss of intestinal digestive movement)), vascular disorders (including thrombus (blood clots), blood loss, or changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm), bronchopulmonary disorders (including emboli, stroke or pneumonia), heart attack, and death.
Implant related risks which may lead to a revision of the implant include dislocation, loosening, fracture, nerve damage, heterotopic bone formation (abnormal bone growth in tissue), wear of the implant, metal sensitivity, soft tissue imbalance, osteolysis (localized progressive bone loss), audible sounds during motion, and reaction to particle debris.
The information presented is for educational purposes only. Speak to your doctor to decide if joint replacement surgery is appropriate for you. Individual results vary and not all patients will return to the same activity level. The lifetime of any joint replacement is limited and depends on several factors like patient weight and activity level. Your doctor will counsel you about strategies to potentially prolong the lifetime of the device, including avoiding high-impact activities, such as running, as well as maintaining a healthy weight. It is important to closely follow your physician’s instructions regarding post-surgery activity, treatment and follow-up care.
To discuss whether joint replacement is right for you, call 316-462-5088.
Kansas Spine & Specialty Hospital utilizes Mako™ brand Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery Technology by Stryker. For more information on the technology, you can visit Stryker’s website.