Your guide to hip and knee replacement

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Joint replacement isn’t what it used to be.

Your guide to joint replacement

When you can’t enjoy your favorite activities because of pain,

stiffness or instability in your hips or knees, it’s time to see an

orthopedic surgeon.

SSM Health has a strong tradition of orthopedic excellence

with board-certified orthopedic surgeons located in your

community. Let us help you find the cause of your joint pain—

and choose the treatment option that works for you.

Whether you enjoy riding your bike, playing tennis, walking

your dog or dancing, our experienced team of caregivers

can help you find the solution to be you again!

A joint replacement can

help get you back to an

active lifestyle and a much

better quality of life, even

if you don’t want to run

the next marathon.

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What’s different about joint replacement today?

Why consider joint replacement?

Often therapy or medication can relieve joint pain and instability

for a while. But when it progresses to the point where alternative

treatments no longer are effective, joint replacement is

recommended.

Even though it’s major surgery, and the last option for treating

arthritis pain, the high success rate has made joint replacement a

routine procedure for millions of Americans. It’s one of the most

successful types of elective surgery performed in the world today.

• Advancements made in arthroplasty surgery during the

past four decades have refined the operation so that it takes

approximately 1-2 hours, followed by a 2-to-3-day hospital stay.

• More than 90% of patients have no complications or don’t require additional surgery after their

joint replacement.

• Joint replacement surgery has one of the highest patient satisfaction rankings—nearly 95% with

orthopedic surgeons at SSM Health.

One month after joint replacement, most people are walking without assistance, and can return to

driving and regular activities as they regain strength and endurance.

Total Joint Arthroplasty

More than 600,000 people in the US benefit from knee replacement surgery each year. Approximately

300,000 have hip replacement surgery. At one time, these operations were reserved for older adults. But

thanks to improvements in implant materials and technology, the advantages

have extended to younger, more active people with painful joints.

The surgical procedure itself has also improved, including:

• Smaller incision lengths • Shorter operation time

• Less muscle trauma • Shorter hospital stays

• Better pain control

SSM Health surgeons continually bring new technologies and treatments

into their community practice. This means you have access to state-of-the-

art medical care close to home.

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About knee replacement

Anatomy of the knee

The knee is a hinge joint stabilized by ligaments on each side in the front

and the back of the knee. Arthritis “wear and tear” to the bone surfaces or

damage to the ligaments can cause the joint to function abnormally during

physical activity.

When the cartilage that cushions the ends of the femur and tibia is worn away,

the knee becomes painful as bone rubs against bone. Cartilage replacement is

in its early phases of development and human testing. But it is not a treatment

option when the cartilage defect is too large, as often occurs in arthritic conditions.

Total joint arthroplasty

Knee replacement requires a small incision across the front of the knee. A small

amount of bone is removed at the bottom of the femur and the top of the tibia.

Metal joint replacements are secured over the surfaces of the cut bone, either

with cement or a technique called bone-ingrowth. It is separated by a specialized

plastic component that acts as cartilage for smooth gliding movement. The

ligaments are left intact and protected during the operation to provide stability to the joint after the knee

replacements are in place.

The incision is closed and the recovery process begins. Most patients are able to

get out of bed and walk with assistance from a therapist the day after surgery.

Unicompartmental knee replacement

This type of arthroplasty may be a solution for people who have pain from

a minor cartilage defect on one small area of the knee. People who are

candidates for this surgery can avoid or delay a total knee arthroplasty.

Your surgeon will tell you if you are a candidate based on several factors,

including an X-ray evaluation.

In more than 90% of cases, there are no

complications and patients gain significant

pain relief and restoration of mobility.

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About hip replacement

In as little as one month after surgery, you can begin to resume normal activities.

Anatomy of the hip

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that normally has extensive range

of motion and can bear a tremendous amount of weight. When an injury

occurs to the bone, the cartilage or any of the muscles or soft tissues

around the hip, an abnormal wear pattern may occur, which can cause

pain and stiffness in the joint. Therapy or medication may alleviate

the symptoms.

If pain worsens or degeneration of the cartilage or bone surface occurs

from the arthritic process, a hip replacement is recommended. Even

though it’s the last resort for treatment, hip arthroplasty has a greater

than 90% success rate and high patient satisfaction—nearly 95% with

SSM Health.

Total Hip Arthroplasty

Hip replacement requires a small incision down the side of the leg

(posterior approach), or in the front groin area (direct anterior approach).

A small amount of bone is removed inside the socket and at the top of the femur.

A metal cup is placed in the socket and secured, either with cement or

bone-ingrowth technique. Then a specialized plastic component locks

into this cup to provide smooth gliding movement against a metal or

ceramic ball that is placed atop a metal stem fixed inside the femur.

The muscles and ligaments are left intact as much as possible, and

protected during the operation to provide stability to the joint after the

hip replacements are in place. The incision is closed and the recovery

process begins. Most patients are able to get out of bed and walk with

assistance from a therapist the day after surgery.

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Making the right choice for you

SSM Health orthopedics advantage

Many hospitals offer joint replacement services, so why

is SSM Health different?

Our patient-centered approach to joint replacement includes:

• A high-level commitment to quality care. Our joint

replacement program is extensive, from

preoperative education and testing to

postoperative therapy training and clinical follow

up. We strive to give our patients a first-class

experience while meeting the goals of pain control,

quick recovery and discharge to home.

• High patient satisfaction. We survey our patients

continuously to ensure we maintain the highest

standards in patient satisfaction, from the nursing care to the food we serve.

• A team approach to patient care. We design an individualized care pathway for each patient, from the

clinic to the operating room, and from the orthopedic unit until discharge to home for rehabilitation.

Teams in each area guide every patient through the milestones for a successful recovery.

Choose an orthopedic surgeon at SSM Health

SSM Health has a strong tradition in exceptional orthopedic care. And when it comes to joint replacement,

experience matters. It starts with specialized teams of board-certified physicians along with their specialty

trained physician assistants, surgical assistants, nurses and therapists. They all work together to ensure

that you receive individualized care for your specific needs. When it comes to joint replacement, choose

SSM Health. We know orthopedics!

Visit ssmhealth.com/doctors

to make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. Search “hip replacement” or “shoulder replacement” to find the right specialist for you.

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