Dealing with knee, hip and shoulder pain
Frequently asked questions
- What is knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, can help relieve your pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. Knee replacement surgery attempts to copy your knee’s natural ability to roll and glide as it bends. We perform it when the knee joint has reached a point at which painful symptoms can no longer be controlled with nonoperative treatments.
- What is hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty, is the second most common joint replacement procedure, closely following knee replacement. Hip replacement is an option when the hip joint has reached a point at which painful symptoms can no longer be controlled with nonoperative treatments.
- What is shoulder replacement surgery?
A shoulder replacement restores the worn surfaces of a joint by removing diseased bone ends and resurfacing them with a combination of metal and plastic components. The new shoulder allows a natural, gliding motion of the joint.
- Is surgery my only option?
In most cases, your doctor will try conservative treatment first. Medications can be effective at controlling the pain for short periods of time. Mild to moderate pain may be relieved with acetaminophen (Tylenol); nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil); naproxen (Aleve) or aspirin (Bayer). For moderate to severe pain, you would need to see your doctor to get stronger medications such as opioids. Your orthopedic surgeon can also inject steroids into the joint itself to help with the pain and swelling. Physical therapy and exercise can help you regain some of your lost mobility in the joint and build muscle strength.
- How long will I be in the hospital?
The majority of our total joint patients will be in the hospital until they meet criteria to go home (typically one or two days). We encourage our total elective joint replacement patients to go home with outpatient therapy if it is prescribed by their surgeon.
- How will my pain be controlled in the hospital?
You will have the opportunity to speak directly to one of our certified nurse anesthetists prior to your surgery. They will help you decide the appropriate anesthetic treatment to be used during your surgery. In general, most of our total joint patients will receive spinal anesthesia, which will numb up the lower half of your torso and legs. It serves as great pain control after your surgery. You may also be a candidate for what is called a femoral and a sciatic nerve block if you are having a total knee surgery. The certified nurse anesthetist will talk to you about that option. Additionally, your surgeon may inject what we refer to as a “joint cocktail” right into your affected joint (hip or knee) during the surgical procedure; this too serves as a good option in controlling pain after surgery.
- Will my family be able to visit me every day?
Yes; in fact, we strongly suggest that they do. They are a very important part of a fast and successful recovery. We also suggest you pick a coach, who can be anyone you choose. We encourage this coach to go to therapy and education classes with you, and we serve them a lunch with you and your group.
However, we have quiet time from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., during which we encourage families to visit the cafeteria or gift shop while they allow patients to rest.
- How long will my recuperation period be?
Recovery can vary from person to person. You will need a two-wheeled walker for approximately two to four weeks after the operation. You will be able to drive a car in about four to six weeks, though you must wait until after your follow-up visit with your surgeon to get his or her approval. Most people gradually increase their activities as their comfort level allows over the next several weeks. For more information on what total joint replacement surgery is like at CCH, visit the Surge Center for Joint Replacement page of our website.
Contact us
Columbus Community Hospital
4600 38th St.
Columbus, Nebraska 68602-1800
Dona J. Kudron, BSN, RN
Patient experience manager
402-562-2470
402-562-4624
djkudron@columbushosp.org