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TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT
Total Joint Replacement Surgery can be intimidating. At Cambridge
Health Alliance you can be sure that our team of experts will help
reduce your pain and get you moving.
What is Total Joint Replacement?
Why have Total Joint Replacement?
Who qualifies for Total Joint Replacement?
Life after a Total Joint Replacement
Total Joint Replacement is a surgical procedure where an
arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial
joint. Joints are places where two or more bones connect together.
Here, the bones have a smooth covering called cartilage that allows
your joints to move easily.
Common joints that are replaced are the Hip, Knee and Shoulder.
Why have Total Joint Replacement?
When cartilage in the joint is damaged or weakened by arthritis
or fractures, joints may become stiff and painful. When this happens,
the pain may become so severe that patients will avoid using the
joint or "favor" it. This weakens the muscle surrounding
the joint, making movement more difficult.
A Total Joint Replacement may be considered if non-surgical treatment
options do not relieve pain.
Who qualifies for Total Joint Replacement?
Our Orthopaedic surgeons will perform a physical examination, diagnostic
tests, and X-rays to determine the needs of each patient.
Total Joint Replacement may be considered if other non-surgical
treatment options don't relieve pain. Joint Replacement is often
the best option for patients who:
- Don't respond to medication or physical therapy treatment
- Have trouble using walking aids
- Have chronic pain that limits daily activities, continues while
resting and interferes with function
- Cannot walk more than two blocks
REMEMBER! Speaking with your Primary Care Doctor about your pain
can be the first step to pain-free movement.
Life after a Total Joint Replacement
Most people who have a joint replacement will experience a dramatic
reduction in joint pain and regain the ability to enjoy daily activities
of work and play.
There are a few rules that will help increase the life of the new
joint. People who have had a joint replacement should NOT:
- Participate in activities that may cause pain
- Jar the joint in activities like running or jumping
- Put the joint in extreme range of motion
- Gain significant weight - this will put more strain on the joint
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