News

Contact: Amy Blaser

(COLUMBUS, Neb.) – If you experience joint pain that prevents you from participating in routine
activities, sports or hobbies, it may be time for a change. A total joint replacement could provide you
with much-needed pain relief and a new lease on life.

What is total joint replacement?
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center.
During the surgery, your doctor removes damaged cartilage and bone from the affected joint and
replaces it with a prosthetic made of metal, plastic or ceramic. This prosthetic is designed to move just
like a natural joint.

Joint replacements are performed most often on hips and knees. But other joints can be replaced, too,
such as shoulders, elbows, wrists or ankles.

Typically, your provider will want you to try nonsurgical treatments before choosing surgery. These
options can include weight loss, low-impact exercise, physical therapy, joint injections or medication.
However, if you have explored some of these options and still have severe symptoms, your provider
may suggest surgery.

Is it safe and effective?
Hip and knee joint replacements are common procedures. Each year in the U.S., doctors perform about
790,000 knee replacements and 544,000 hip replacements. You can expect your joint replacement to
last for at least 20 years, likely more.

How long is recovery?
In most cases, patients can resume normal daily activities within two weeks after surgery. Your doctor
will want you to walk with assistance on the day after surgery, which may be challenging, but will
improve your recovery in the long run.

After the surgery, you will progress from using a walker to using a cane or nothing at all over the span of
a month or two. During recovery, you will need to avoid higher-level activities such as sports for six
weeks.

You're likely to have some pain during your recovery. Follow your provider's post-surgery instructions
and ask them about any concerns you have.

If you are experiencing severe joint pain, see our specialists at Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
Clinic to find out if joint replacement surgery can help. Call us at 402-562-4700 or visit
columbusorthopedics.com.

Dr. Anthony White is an orthopedic surgeon with Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic.