Joint Replacement in Shelbyville

Hip, Knee, Shoulder and Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery

When more conservative treatments fail to relieve joint pain, you and your physician will need to discuss the possibility of joint replacement surgery. This is an intense procedure that should only be considered after all other options have been exhausted. The goal of this treatment is to remove damaged or diseased bone and tissue and replace it with a new artificial joint made of ceramic, metal, and plastic.

Joint replacement is a very effective treatment for eligible candidates. Replacement joints are built to last for up to 20 years and should provide patients with the pain relief and increased mobility they’ve been looking for. At Major Health Partners, we utilize the latest techniques for minimally invasive joint replacement surgery. We guide our patients through pre-surgery preparation to ensure post-surgical care is smooth and the patient makes a complete recovery.

Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is most often recommended for patients with severe osteoarthritis, victims of injury, or patients who have had no luck treating pain through other treatments like physical therapy or medication. Once you and your doctor have agreed that joint surgery is the right choice, you will need to spend several weeks preparing. We will have to perform a complete health assessment to ensure your body can safely handle the surgery.

On your own time, there are several things you can do to prepare for joint replacement surgery, including:

• Performing mild exercises to strengthen your body—you should ask your doctor for recommendations
• Learning more about what the surgery involves
• Eating a nutritious diet in the weeks leading up to surgery
• Cutting down on alcohol and other controlled substances
• Stop smoking

Another important thing to remember is that you will need to spend several weeks resting before you fully recover from the operation. Stock your home with easy-to-prepare meals and find out if a friend or loved one can stay with you for the first week while you recovery.

Adjusting to Your New Joint

Recovering from joint replacement surgery takes time. Most patients stay in the hospital for a brief period after the procedure so their physician can assess their condition and start them on a recovery plan. Your muscles and tissues will be weak from the operation. Your doctor will recommend physical therapy, cryotherapy, and medication to help your body heal.

The rehabilitation process is different for each patient. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what to expect after the operation well ahead of time so you can make the proper preparations.

• Learn more information about our joint replacement surgeries at MHP FORCE Orthopaedics.
• Call us 317.392.2161