Joint Replacement Specialist

When would I need joint replacement?

Most people need a joint replacement when advanced arthritis causes extensive damage to the joint's cartilage, bones, and other structures. You may also need a joint replacement when an injury causes extensive joint damage. 

Though avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) isn't common, it stops blood flow, causes bone death, and often requires joint replacement.

What symptoms indicate I need joint replacement? 

Most people consider joint replacement surgery when:

• Conservative treatments no longer relieve the pain
• Joint pain becomes a daily struggle
• Joint pain interferes with daily activities
• Joint pain persists when resting

By the time these symptoms appear, chances are the damage to your joint can only be repaired with a joint replacement.

What happens during joint replacement surgery?

With today's advanced technology, orthopedic surgeons can replace nearly any joint in your body, including your hands and feet. However, the most common joints needing replacement include your knee, hip, and shoulder.

Some joints, such as your knee, hip, and shoulder, may only need a partial joint replacement. Then your surgeon only replaces the top of the thigh or arm bones, or one of three compartments in your knee.

Joint replacements follow the same basic procedure. Your surgeon removes all of the damaged tissues, including bone and cartilage. Then they prepare the bones and implant the prosthetic pieces.

Your new joint consists of either metal, ceramic, or plastic components, or a combination of the three. The pieces used to replace the ends of bones are made of metal or ceramics. Plastic pieces go between the prosthetic components to replace cartilage.

What is robot-assisted joint replacement?

The team at SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER ORTHOPEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE performs total knee, partial knee, and total hip replacements using Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology.

The advanced Mako system creates a 3D virtual model of your hip or knee joint. Your surgeon uses the model to precisely plan your joint replacement surgery. This step allows them to precisely implant your new joint based on your individual anatomy.

During your procedure, your surgeon controls the robotic arm as they remove damaged tissues. The robotic arm contains sensors that allow precise tissue removal. As a result, your surgeon preserves more of the healthy tissues than can be done during traditional surgery.

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology also allows you to have minimally invasive surgery. As a result, you experience:

• Smaller incisions
• Less blood loss during surgery
• Less pain after surgery
• Quicker surgery time
• Faster recovery and return to activities

If you need joint replacement surgery, call SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER ORTHOPEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE or book an appointment online today.