Total Joint Replacements

Total Joint Replacements in Fort Lauderdale, FL and Margate, FL

Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic, or ceramic device. Hip and knee replacements are the most common joint replacements, however, other joints can be replaced including the ankle, wrist, shoulder, and elbow.

Hip Replacement Surgery

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is at the top of the femur (thigh bone), and the socket is part of the pelvis; the ball moves inside the socket, allowing the leg to rotate and move forward, backward, and sideways.

Hip replacement is the removal and replacement of portions of the pelvis and or femur, and is primarily used to relieve hip pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. For some, a hip replacement may help with a developmental issue within the hip or trauma, such as a break to the pelvis or femur.

Chronic Joint Pain Care

Arthritis is the most common reason for chronic joint pain and disability. When more conservative treatments fail to offer lasting relief, you may benefit from joint replacement surgery.

At South Florida Orthopedic Group, formerly known as Meli Orthopedic Centers of Excellence, our orthopedic surgeons are experienced in the latest minimally invasive techniques available for the replacement of hip and knee joints. Joint replacement surgery, also called arthroplasty, involves removing the damaged portion of the hip or knee and replacing it with an artificial joint that allows for pain-free movement.

Recovery from Total Joint Replacement Surgery

Every patient will experience rehab and recovery differently after total joint replacement surgery. It is very important to follow the doctor’s instructions for aftercare and exercises. It will be recommended to you to use your “new” joint shortly after the operation, which may be challenging at times. Exercise is a very important part of recovery; your doctor and physical therapist will help you establish a routine and stretches that you can do at home to restore movement and strength within the joint.

Pain is a common side effect due to your body getting used to the new joint, the tissues surrounding the joint are healing, and the muscles surrounding the joint are weak because of inactivity. The pain should resolve in a few months.

Knee Replacement Surgery

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and as such, it is vulnerable to injury. Knees bear a great deal of weight over the course of a lifetime and can show signs of damage with pain, swelling, and a loss of range of motion. Arthritis is the most common cause of debilitating chronic knee pain.

For many, knee replacement is the only way to relieve pain, restore motion, and improve quality of life. Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, involves removing the damaged portion of the knee and replacing it with artificial implants called prosthetics. Knee replacement is highly successful in relieving pain and restoring joint function.

When is Total Joint Replacement Needed?

Several conditions can cause patients to consider joint replacement such as joint pain and immobility. In many cases, joint pain is caused by damaged cartilage that lines the ends of the bones involved in the joint from arthritis, a fracture, or another issue.

Typically, non-surgical treatments can help, such as medications, physical therapy, and activity modifications. However, some joint damage requires a total joint replacement to relieve the pain and increase function.

Orthopedic Surgeon in Fort Lauderdale & Margate, FL

To learn if these and other surgical advancements for joint replacement might be the best path for eliminating your chronic joint pain, call South Florida Orthopedic Group (formerly Meli Orthopedic Centers of Excellence) in Fort Lauderdale at (954) 771-8177 or in Margate at (954) 580-4080. You can also request your appointment now.