Make a Resolution to Live Pain Free

Stop waiting. When what starts out as a dull, nagging pain in the knee or hip grows into intense, chronic pain, it’s time see a physician who specializes in orthopedics for treatment.

Many active people suffer from osteoarthritis, which is commonly referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis. Osteoarthritis can break down the cartilage that cushions the joints resulting in pain and stiffness. Joint replacement surgery helps to improve mobility while relieving or reducing the pain.

Joint Replacement is Common

Total joint replacement surgery is one of the most successful treatments in medicine. Each year, approximately 1 million people receive new hips and knees; and that number is expected to quadruple in the next 10 years. There are several factors contributing to the rise in hip and knee replacement surgery including aging Baby Boomers and Gen Xers who want to remain active as well as people who have injuries or suffer from obesity. It is important to remember that hips and knees are weight-bearing joints and any extra pounds can add unnecessary stress to those joints.

Is Surgery Always Necessary?

Physicians find that surgery isn’t always necessary, but in some instances it is the most effective therapy.

“There are different types of medications, injections and therapeutic exercise which have been shown to help people who are dealing with the pain and loss of function due to arthritic hips and knees,” explained Michael A. Motto, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. “Unfortunately, many people have tried those and similar treatments without success. In situations like that, people often require surgery because their symptoms limit their ability to function and live their life the way they want.”

Typically, if the pain is such that it prevents a person from walking or bending the joint; pain is present at rest; or stiffness that prevents a person from lifting a leg, physicians recommend surgery.

What to Expect if You Need Surgery

“A total joint replacement is a life-changing event, which is why we feel it is important to offer a patient-centered program,” said Dr. Motto. “Most often, our patients are healthy, active individuals who have hip or knee pain and want to live a better, pain-free quality of life.”

Joint replacement surgery uses prosthetic joint components that have a more customized fit and last longer — up to 20 years for hip replacements. In addition, the effective outcomes and easier recovery thanks to better anesthetic and pain medications have led to great patient satisfaction, which inspires others to take the plunge.

For a total hip replacement, an orthopedic surgeon replaces the worn-out surfaces of the hip — the ball and socket — with metal components. Some surgeons access the joint from the front of the body (as opposed to the back or side), an approach known as anterior hip replacement. This approach may allow your orthopedic surgeon to make a smaller incision, resulting in less disruption to surrounding muscles and fewer restrictions after surgery.

In total knee replacement surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in the front of the knee and remove the kneecap. The damaged cartilage surfaces and some of the bone on both the upper (thigh) and lower (calf) sections of the joint are removed. Metal components are then cemented to the bones. A medical-grade plastic “spacer” will be placed between the two components to create a smooth, gliding surface. Sometimes, part of the kneecap also may be replaced.

Penn Highlands Healthcare is the first health system in Northwest Central Pennsylvania to offer Mako SmartRoboticTM joint replacement surgery by specially trained orthopedic surgeons. Mako SmartRobotics at Penn Highlands Healthcare is an innovative surgical solution for many people suffering from painful arthritis or degeneration of the knee or hip. The Mako robot uses 3D CT-based planning software so the orthopedic surgeon can know more, and cut less. The CT scan helps the Penn Highlands Healthcare orthopedic surgeon understand more about the patient’s unique anatomy to create a joint replacement surgical plan that is extraordinarily advanced in precision and customization to the body.

To learn more about joint replacement surgery at Penn Highlands Healthcare, click here.