Joint Replacement Specialist

Am I a candidate for joint replacement surgery?

The expert team at Bahri Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic offers joint replacement surgery in situations when you’re experiencing chronic joint pain and disability and conservative care isn’t enough to manage your condition. The doctors consider the following elements when determining if joint replacement is right for you:

• Your age
• Your overall health
• Your lifestyle
• Your diagnosis
• The extent of joint damage

Joint pain and disability are often caused by a loss of the protective cartilage in your joints, either due to wear-and-tear or arthritis. Without the cartilage, you can experience pain and lack of motion due to bone rubbing against bone within your joint. The goal of a joint replacement surgery is to provide protection to your bones and cushion to the joint for better movement and pain relief.

What happens during a joint replacement surgery?

If the team at Bahri Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic determines joint replacement is right for you, they discuss treatment options with you in order to choose the best surgical procedure for your needs. Options are divided into partial and total joint replacement surgeries.

With partial joint replacement, only one side of the joint has been damaged or has too little cartilage. In a total joint replacement, both sides of the joint are damaged. During either surgery, the team removes damaged cartilage and soft tissues from the area and then places surgical implants over the ends of the involved bones for cushion and smooth movement.

Surgical implants are typically made from surgical-grade metals and plastics. The implants are designed to match the normal anatomy of your joint and are placed during your surgery for a stable, comfortable fit. Most surgeries take several hours.

The team outlines the type of surgery you’ll need, how the procedure is performed, and what types of materials are used. They answer all of your questions and provide thorough instructions to prepare for your surgery so you feel as comfortable as possible.

What is recovery like after joint replacement?

Recovery after a joint replacement surgery is based on the type of surgery you had and your overall health. In most cases, the team recommends you begin moving your joint soon after your surgery. They may provide equipment for you to use at home for early rehabilitation.

As you progress, the team works with physical therapists to outline a recovery plan for you to build strength in the muscles around your joint for greater stability and flexibility. The recovery process takes several months as you adapt to the surgical implants and regain strength.

To learn more about joint replacement options, call or schedule online at Bahri Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic.