Category Archives: Joint Replacement

If you need hip joint replacement surgery in Jacksonville, FL, chances are you are debating whether to have an anterior or posterior procedure done. What you choose should be in consult with your doctor and you should consider what they recommend. Here, though, are the key differences.

Posterior Surgery

This is done by making an incision through the back of the hip while the patient lies on their side. Posterior hip joint replacement in Jacksonville, FL, is considered to be the “traditional” approach to hip surgery. If you have had a relative who got a hip replacement several years ago, chances are it was a posterior surgery. That should give you an idea of the recovery time involved.

Anterior Surgery

In an anterior procedure, the incision is made in the front and the patient lies on their back. It is a relatively new approach but is quickly becoming preferred by surgeons and replacement specialists and because of the reduced impact on the patient, primarily during recovery. Your hip joint replacement center in Jacksonville, FL can give you an idea of what its surgeons and specialists generally recommend.

The Differences

An anterior surgery involves an internervous/intermuscular plane, which means the surgeon can get to the hip between the muscles without having to detach or cut them. That means less trauma on the area under surgery and generally a quicker recovery period. Less of the patient is cut or even moved around, so there is less to heal. Additionally, an anterior approach can be more accurate as new technology in x-ray guidance can be utilized during the surgery.

With a posterior surgery, several muscles must be cut or separated to get access to the joint. This obviously will increase the healing time. The benefit of a posterior procedure, however, is that it has been done many more times than an anterior approach, so most surgeons have seen the possible complications.

Pros and Cons

The most attractive selling point of the anterior approach is the reduced healing time. Healing is not only faster, it is less painful, which also promotes quicker healing processes. Additionally, there are fewer post operation restrictions put on an anterior procedure. Recovering patients can bend and stoop, reach their feet, cross their legs and sleep in any position they want to sleep. This also helps in recovery because it means less stress for the patient, both physically and mentally.

The cons to anterior hip joint replacement in Jacksonville are that because it is relatively new, surgeons are still learning the unique aspects of the surgery. Additionally, there are some increased risks during surgery, primarily related to blood loss and some patients experience post-operative numbness.

The pro to a posterior approach is the known factor of the surgery. It is almost considered a routine surgery because it has been the preferred approach for so long. There are, however, many restrictions put on the patient post-surgery and the healing process is generally slower because there is more cut muscle to heal.

Those are the key differences. You should listen to your doctor regarding what type of hip replacement surgery you need and factor in joint replacement surgery cost in Jacksonville, FL, before making any decisions. Do not be afraid to recommend your preference, however, based on this information.

Are you thinking about undergoing joint replacement surgery? Read this article to separate fact from fiction before opting for surgery, and consult with your spine care doctor in Jacksonville, FL, if you have any questions.

You Shouldn’t Visit the Dentist before Joint Replacement Surgery

True. Dental work, including routine cleanings, can increase the risk of infection. Having dental work done can increase the number of bacteria in your bloodstream and could possibly cause complications or delay healing for your newly replaced joint. The best thing to do is avoid dental work for three weeks before your surgery and three weeks after your surgery.

Don’t Put off Having Joint Replacement Surgery

It depends. Some studies suggest that getting your painful joints replaced sooner will protect your bones and cartilage from further damage and deformities down the road. But it all depends on the needs of the individual. Sometimes less invasive procedures will be better for the patient. It is always a good idea to seek another opinion from a different doctor before deciding on surgery.

You Should Be over 60 Years Old for a Knee or Hip Replacement

False. There is no age requirement to have knee or hip replacement. Modern technology has given us replacement joints that will last for a lifetime. If your quality of life is suffering due to hip or knee pain, don’t let age be a determining factor. Talk to the doctors at the spine care center in Jacksonville, FL to weigh your options.

Hip and Knee Replacements Only Last 10 Years

False. In the past, artificial joints only lasted for about 10 years. Now, with technological improvements, artificial hips and joints can last 15 to 20 years or more! You can help make your replacement joint last longer by doing rehab exercises following surgery, avoiding high impact activities, and leading a healthy lifestyle.

Joint Replacement Surgery Can Cause Hair Loss

True. Surgery of any kind puts stress on the body, and any kind of surgery or operation can lead to hair loss or shedding. Some patients report extra hair loss following joint replacement surgery. This hair loss is only temporary and will grow back.

You Can’t Have Sex after Joint Replacement Surgery

False. It is best to wait for 2 to 3 weeks following surgery before having sex. But, after you have healed, you can have sex again. Listen to your body and try a different position if you feel discomfort or pain.

Not Everyone Needs to Do Prehab Exercises before Surgery

False. Everyone can benefit from doing prehab exercises before they have joint replacement surgery. The stronger and fitter you are before surgery, the more quickly and easily you will recover after surgery.

You Can’t Wear High Heels after Joint Replacement Surgery

False. Immediately following joint replacement surgery, you can’t wear high heels. You don’t want to risk falling and injuring your newly replaced joint. But, after 2 to 3 months of recovery, you can gradually start wearing high heels again.

Following a total knee replacement procedure, one of the most significant risks patients face is the need for a revision procedure. Recent studies indicate that one of the most significant risk factors for revision is smoking. For this reason, patients undergoing knee replacement surgery should quit smoking immediately.

About the Study

The study in question covered a total of 436 patients who had undergone total knee replacement surgery. Researchers followed the patients over a period of 13 years and recorded any revisions required in order to identify risk factors. The study determined that, smoking increased the risk of needing a revision by 300 percent.

Among the revisions that did occur, the most common situations leading to a revision were infection, aseptic loosening, stiffness or instability. The study did not investigate the mechanism by which smoking leads to a higher risk of revision. Further research will be necessary to investigate the connection in more depth.

What It Means for Patients

Based on this information, it seems plausible that smoking increases the risk of needing a revision following total knee replacement. For this reason, smokers who know they need a knee replacement should quit smoking as soon as possible. Quitting smoking is also recommended for patients who have already had a knee replacement procedure and hope to limit their chances of eventually needing a revision.

In addition to quitting smoking, there are other steps patients can take to reduce their risk of needing a revision after total knee replacement surgery, such as choosing the right surgeon and following his or her instructions carefully. To learn more about total knee replacement surgery, please contact Southeast Orthopedic Specialists today.

Of all the health conditions that grow more common with age, few are more widespread than orthopedic issues. Impacting your body’s musculoskeletal system, these conditions are often not life-threatening, but bring significant pain and mobility issues. A large and growing number of baby boomers must deal with orthopedic issues, particularly:

Arthritis

Marked by pain and swelling of the joints, arthritis is one of the most common orthopedic diseases. Doctors divide arthritis into different categories based on where and how it affects the body. The most widespread type is osteoarthritis, which affects knees, hips and other load-bearing joints. Arthritis is incurable, but it can be managed through a combination of pain and anti-inflammatory medications, massage therapy and applied heat and cold.

Knee Issues

Baby boomers often see the cartilage in their knees diminish. This leads to pain, stiffness and limited mobility. To solve this problem, your orthopedic specialist can give you a knee replacement, which involves capping your knee’s joint with metal and plastic to relieve pain and expand motion.

Hip Issues

Arthritis and other orthopedic conditions strain your hips, causing serious pain and making walking more difficult. To relieve this pain, baby boomers are turning to hip replacements. This involves placing an artificial joint on your hip, which gives you more mobility.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A condition that affects the nerves in your wrist, this problem causes weakness, numbing, pain and swelling in your hands. Your likelihood of developing it increases as you age, making baby boomers highly vulnerable to this condition. Many who suffer from carpal tunnel turn to orthopedic surgery in order to cure it.

As an orthopedic specialist with extensive experience serving baby boomers, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists offers solutions for these and all other conditions in Northeast Florida. For more information, visit our website today.

Are you considering a hip replacement? Then you will need to locate a Jacksonville orthopedic surgeon for a consultation. But first, you need to understand the difference between a hip replacement and hip resurfacing before you can determine which procedure is best for you.

What is a Hip Replacement?

A hip replacement is a medical procedure performed by orthopedic surgeons. With this procedure, an orthopedic doctor will replace the painful hip joint and replace it with an artificial one. Hip replacement surgery can be done as a full replacement or a half hip joint replacement. A hip replacement is generally recommended for those with a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the hip.

What is Hip Resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is similar to a hip replacement except the hip joint is relined rather than being completely replaced like it is in a hip replacement surgery. Hip resurfacing helps provide the patient with a more active and better quality of life because it preserves as much of the natural bone as possible and only replaces the damaged bone and cartilage in the socket.

Your orthopedic doctor will determine if you are a candidate for hip resurfacing. Generally, candidates for this type of surgery are under 60 and have strong, healthy bones. Hip resurfacing surgery (HRS) can help with mild to moderate pain from osteoarthritis if it’s done before any major bone damage has occurred. This surgery is usually an overnight procedure and most people are up and walking within four hours of having the surgery.

The Advantages of Hip Resurfacing

There are many advantages of hip resurfacing, such as:

• It preserves the femoral neck and femoral canal and minimizes bone removal while using a smaller implant.
• It’s a smaller device which results in a more rapid recovery.
• There is minimal bone removal.
• Fewer chances of dislocation.

What’s Next?

If you would like more information about hip resurfacing, please Contact Southeast Orthopedic Specialists today.

The weather and time of year, the amount of help you have available and even your schedule and ability to get to appointments will all impact the timing of your surgery. The “right time” is unique for every patient and depends on your own personal circumstances. Here are a few things to consider as you decide on the timing for your surgery.

5 Things To Consider Before Hip Replacement Surgery

1. What’s the weather like?

Snow and ice won’t be a factor in Florida, but hurricane season could be. Initially you will probably be using a walker or crutches to get around for a while after your hip surgery. Even warm puddles of rainwater will not be your friend as you recover.

2. Who is available to help you recover?

Your surgeon will provide you with a comprehensive list of preparations to make your postoperative period as comfortable as possible. Most hip replacement patients are looking at three to six weeks of some difficulty getting around, even though that relentless hip pain is gone. Before hip surgery, you will have already cleared all slip/fall risks from your home, and moved food and preparation items to a place where you do not have to bend to reach them. However, you’ll need some daily help just navigating around your home safely, especially in the beginning.

3. Will transportation be available?

Is there one time of year that rides to and from rehab and doctor appointments (and the grocery store) are easier to schedule? For some patients, help is more available in the summer than at any other time.

4. Is pet care an issue?

If you have a pet you may need to make arrangements since you will be unable to care for your pet. Your furry companion needs looking after too. Will there be room at the kennel for a while, or a temporary home with a relative or friend? Make plans so that your pet is looked after.

5. What do you love to do?

Your active lifestyle is going to come back. You will be doing a lot of walking, and each step will get easier. Is bowling, tennis or golf your thing? Pain and immobility have kept you on the sidelines for too long.

Time to Contact A Specialist

Consider your particular needs, factor in a few months of recovery and set the date for that hip replacement. The Southeast Orthopedic Specialists team will get you back on your feet; the rest of your life is waiting.

There may come a time in your life, if it has not happened already, where your joints start to fail you. This is not the end of the world. With advancements in technology, it is now possible for joints to be replaced through surgery. This type of surgery is helping all kinds of people live pain free lives. They can also be active again through things such as knee joint replacements and hip joint replacements.

What is a Joint Replacement?

Your joints the portion of your body that connect the ends of two or more bones. This connection is made by tissue that is called cartilage. When cartilage is healthy, it provides a protective cushion. This cushion allows you to have low to no friction movement of the two bones and the joint. These joints, and more specifically, the cartilage, can become damaged with age, because of an injury and because of disease. With the tissue becomes inflamed, then this can cause pain every time it is utilized. Even more pain can be caused over time if the cartilage wears down. This can result in the edges of the bone rubbing against each other. If only some of the joint is damaged, then the damaged part can be repaired or replaced through surgery. If the entire joint is damaged, then it is possible that a joint replacement can be done by a doctor. During this process, the diseased or damaged components are removed and then an artificial part is then put in to the joint. This can be known as a prosthesis or an implant.

Joint Replacement Specialist

For more information about your options in terms of joint replacement, to have your joints examined, or simply to ask some questions about the procedure, be sure to contact us today so we can add you to the schedule.