"Achieving Better Performance Through Quality Care"
Frequently
Asked Questions:
Q: Do all patients at The Orthopaedic
Center require surgery?
A: No. Most patients can be effectively treated with physical therapy
and other non-operative modalities; other patients may require surgery.
Q: What is the advantage of visiting a
total care orthopaedic facility?
A: Visiting a total care orthopaedic facility provides you with an
unparalleled continuum of care from diagnostic testing and treatment to
physical therapy and rehabilitation. Our Center also offers you the
expertise of a large group of talented specialized orthopaedic surgeons
and a variety of on-site services that most orthopaedic practices
cannot. At our on-site physical therapy and rehabilitation facility, for
example, our staff of highly trained physical therapists provides a
multitude of specialized services including individual rehabilitation
programs, back school instruction, continuing education classes on
shoulder and spinal mobilization, hand and aquatic therapy, and custom
splinting and bracing. Physical therapy is sometimes used as a treatment
in and of itself. It also plays a vital role post surgery, to ensure
that each patient gains maximum flexibilty and strength. At the
Orthopaedic Center, we evaluate each patient individually and recommend
the course of action that would most quickly and effectively allow you
to enjoy immediate and long-term pain free activity.
Q: Does joint replacement work?
A: After a total joint replacement surgery, many patients experience
reduced pain, increased mobility, and improved quality of life. The
performance and life span of an implant depends on many factors,
including the patient’s presurgical physical condition, anatomy, weight,
activity, and willingness to follow surgeon’s instructions before and
after surgery. Joint surgery involves potential risks and requires
recovery time. Individual results may vary and only an orthopedic
surgeon can determine if surgery is right for you.
Q: What are the possible complications of
total joint replacement surgery?
A: While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery.
Complications include, but are not limited to infection, blood clots,
implant breakage, malalignment, and premature wear, any of which can
require additional surgery. Infection and blood clots are two of the
complications that concern surgeons the most. To avoid these
complications, surgeons may take various measures, including prescribing
antibiotics and blood thinners before and after surgery. Although
implant surgery is extremely successful in most cases, some patients
still experience pain and stiffness. Factors such as the patient’s
post-surgical activities and weight can affect longevity. Be sure to
discuss these and other risks with your surgeon.
Q: When should I have this type of surgery?
A: Your doctors will decide if you are a good candidate for this
surgery. Their decision will be based on your medical history, exam and
X-rays. Your doctors will ask you to decide if your discomfort,
stiffness and disability justify undergoing surgery. There is no harm in
waiting to have surgery if conservative, non-operative methods can
adequately control your discomfort.
Q: Am I too old for this surgery?
A: Age is generally not a problem if you are in reasonably good health
and have the desire to continue living a productive, active life. You
should see your personal physician for an opinion about your general
health and readiness for surgery.
Q: How long do total joint patients
typically stay in the hospital?
A: In the past, a patient could typically expect to stay anywhere from
3–7 days, followed by six weeks or more of difficult therapy before
returning to normal activities. With minimally-invasive surgery, some
surgeons are finding that patients can be discharged in as few as one to
two days, with significantly faster return to normal activities and less
post-operative pain.
Q: What kind of activities can patients
expect to pursue following joint replacement?
A: That depends on various factors, including the type of surgery, your
health, and your recovery. Typically, patients should be able to return
to certain low-impact activities within weeks after surgery. Surgeons
generally discourage patients from jarring, high-impact activities, such
as running and strenuous sports.
Q: Why do I need to visit a team of
multispecialized surgeons when all I need is the expertise of one?
A: No injury or disorder exists in isolation. Your bones, joints,
ligaments, muscles, and nerves, for example, all work together to allow
you to walk, sit, bend down to pick up an object off the floor, and so
on. Because of the complex nature of many diseases and injuries, more
than one specialist is often required to correctly diagnose and treat a
condition as effectively as possible. No. Most patients can be
effectively treated with physical therapy and other non-operative
modalities; other patients may require surgery.
For more information on joint replacement surgery visit
http://biomet.com/patients/
Hip replacement video moderated by Dr Durbhakula:
http://www.or-live.com/sinai/1250/
