Total Joint Replacement
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure to remove and replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis). It should be considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain and/or disability typically caused by severe arthritis.

Most total joint replacements involve hip and knee joints, however, total joint replacement also can be performed on joints in the ankle, shoulder, fingers and elbow.

Individuals with a total joint replacement still can lead active lifestyles. Exercise is important in the recovery process as well as in the years following the surgery. A proper exercise program can help restore mobility and strength in the joint. There are a variety of knee replacement techniques that can be used:

The new muscle-sparing replacement costs the same for the patient as the traditional procedure. The long-term results of both procedures are the same. All people are good candidates unless they previously had surgery or have significant deformity of the joint.

Navigation-Assisted Surgery
Navigation systems offer surgeons the ability to use electronic imaging to accurately track in real time where the instruments are relative to the patient’s anatomy during the operation. By combining computers, infrared cameras and wireless instruments, these systems give surgeons far more accuracy than ever before. The navigation equipment helps surgeons to align things better, to see more clearly and to instantly adjust to the unique anatomies of different individuals. Benefits:

• Allows more orthopedic surgeons to perform muscle-sparing joint replacement surgical technique with greater accuracy.
• Improved patient outcomes – strength, stability, range of movement, shorter hospitalization.
• Provides a visual confirmation and verification for the surgeon.
• Enables a more precise implantation.
• Does not require pre-operative X-rays or CT scans.
• Provides the surgeon with a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s hip mechanics before any bone is cut.
• Allows the surgeon to make adjustments to within a fraction of a degree, ensuring the fit for the prosthesis, improved joint motion and greater longevity of the implant.

Revision Joint Replacement
Revision total joint replacement involves the replacement of an existing prosthesis with a new prosthesis. In total joint replacement, an original total hip replacement has two components. A revision procedure may replace any or all of the components. The new prosthesis can be another of the original type of prosthesis (called a primary), prosthesis especially made for revision surgery, or a prosthesis especially made for your case (called a custom).

Osteotomy
Osteotomy may be appropriate if you are younger than age 60, active or overweight. There must also be uneven damage to the joint, correctable deformity and no inflammation. The surgeon reshapes the bone to improve your alignment. The healthy bone and cartilage is realigned to compensate for the damaged tissue. Osteotomy relieves pain and may delay the progression of osteoarthritis.

Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to visualize, diagnose and treat problems inside a joint. A fiberoptic scope and small instruments are inserted through small puncture wounds instead of an open incision. The scope is connected to a television monitor where the surgeon can perform the repair under video control. They can then determine the amount or type of injury, and repair or correct the problem, if necessary. There are many kinds of arthroscopy.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair
One of the most common problems involving the knee joint is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The ACL is one of four ligaments that are critical to the stability of the knee joint. A ligament is made of tough fibrous material and functions to control excessive motion by limiting joint mobility. Of the four major ligaments of the knee, the ACL injury is the most common knee ligament injury.

Patients who think they have an ACL tear should be evaluated by their doctor. An ACL tear may be difficult to diagnose immediately after the injury because of associated pain and swelling. There may also be muscle spasms that contribute to making the knee difficult to examine. Therefore, it may not be possible to conclusively determine the presence of an ACL tear soon after the injury. If an ACL tear is suspected, you will return for follow-up evaluation with your orthopedic surgeon.