Joint Replacement
If knee or hip pain is affecting your daily life and non-surgical treatments haven’t been effective or just aren’t cutting it anymore, a joint replacement may be right for you. The two most common joint replacement surgeries are knee and hip replacements. In both, a surgeon removes the damaged part and replaces it with artificial parts -- usually constructed of metal, ceramic and very hard plastic – to improve function and reduce your pain.
Hip replacement
Certain conditions cause damage to the hip joint:
- Osteoarthritis, commonly known as wear-and-tear. Cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, which produces inflammation that can erode cartilage and sometimes the underlying bone.
- Osteonecrosis. If you suffer a dislocation or fracture, you may experience a loss of blood flow to the ball portion of the hip joint.
What are the signs you might need a hip replacement?
- Pain that persists or worsens, even with pain medication
- Pain while walking, even with a cane or walker
- Ability to sleep, get dressed, or use stairs is affected
- Difficulty to stand up from a seated position
Our board-certified surgeons perform total hip replacement, replacing the hip socket and femur with a smooth artificial surface. Our support team of registered nurses, occupational and physical therapists will have you up and on your way with a personalized home care plan before you’re discharged.
Knee replacement
Like the hip, knees are susceptible to osteoarthritis, taking a lot of wear and tear, as well as rheumatoid arthritis.
Other conditions that can cause damage to the knee joint include:
- Structural issues like bowed legs
- Knee injuries, common in former athletes
- Loss of blood flow to the knee bone (osteonecrosis)
What are the top signs you might need a knee replacement?
- Pain and/or difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs
- Pain while at rest
- Work, hobbies and/or daily activities restricted
Knee replacement options can vary based on your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health. Depending on how severe your knee pain is, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend total or partial knee replacement.
Partial knee replacement is an option if you are living with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis that has not yet progressed to all three compartments of the knee. Depending on where your arthritis is, your surgeon may insert an implant in one or more area of your knee.
Total knee replacement is an option if you are living with mid to late-stage osteoarthritis.
Mako Knee Replacement
Each patient is unique and can experience joint pain differently, so be sure to discuss your treatment options with one of our orthopedic surgeons. You may be a candidate for a Mako Partial or Total Knee replacement, the first robotic knee replacement technology in Baton Rouge. Not only is it more advanced, but it is personalized to your specific bone structure.
What are the advantages to a Mako knee replacement?
Mako’s Robotic–Arm Assisted Technology™ allows your surgeon to customize your knee replacement by creating a 3D model of your knee to use as a guide during your procedure. This technique gives your surgeon more precision while offering you a less invasive procedure, smaller incision and faster recovery time.
Learn more about how the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology™ by calling (225) 763-4298.
