What is Joint Replacement Surgery?

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Article featured on National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Joint replacement surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon removes a damaged joint and replaces it with a new, artificial part. A joint is where two or more bones come together, like the knee, hip, and shoulder. The surgery is usually done by a doctor called an orthopaedic (or-tho-PEE-dik) surgeon. Sometimes, the surgeon will not remove the whole joint, but will only replace or fix the damaged parts.

The doctor may suggest a joint replacement to improve how you live. Replacing a joint can relieve pain and help you move and feel better. Hips and knees are replaced most often. Other joints that can be replaced include the shoulders, fingers, ankles, and elbows.

What Can Happen to Joints?

Joints can be damaged by arthritis and other diseases, injuries, or other causes. Arthritis or simply years of use may cause the joint to wear away. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Diseases and damage inside a joint can limit blood flow, causing problems in the bones, which need blood to be healthy, grow, and repair themselves.

What is a New Joint Like?

A new joint, called a prosthesis (praas-THEE-sis), can be made of metal, plastic, or ceramic parts. It may be cemented into place or not cemented, so that your bone will grow into it. Both methods may be combined to keep the new joint in place. Your doctor will discuss these options with you.

When Should Joint Replacement Be Considered?

Your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery when other treatments are not effective in relieving pain and helping you move. These include walking aids such as braces or canes, physical therapy, medicines, exercise, and weight loss.

Your doctor may also consider a different surgery that does not involve replacing the whole joint.

Joint replacement is often the answer if you have constant pain and can’t move the joint well—for example, if you have trouble with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and taking a bath.

What Happens During Surgery?

First, the surgical team will give you medicine so you won’t feel pain (anesthesia). The medicine may block the pain only in one part of the body (regional), or it may put your whole body to sleep (general). The surgical team will then replace the damaged joint with a new artificial joint.

Each surgery is different. How long it takes depends on how badly the joint is damaged and how the surgery is done. Your doctor or someone on your doctor’s team will inform you how to prepare for surgery, how long it will take, and what to expect in the hours after surgery.

What Happens After Surgery?

Several things affect how soon you will be able to return home after joint replacement. These include the type of surgery that you have, your medical history and your support network at home. You may have some temporary pain in the new joint because your muscles are weak from not being used. Also, your body is healing. The pain can be helped with medicines and should end in a few weeks or months.

Physical therapy may help strengthen the muscles around the new joint and help you regain motion in the joint.

As you move your new joint and let your muscles grow strong again, pain will lessen, flexibility will increase, and movement will improve.

Are There Risks Associated with Joint Replacement?

Any surgery has risks. The risks of joint surgery will depend on your overall health and the health of your joints before surgery, and the type of surgery done.

After surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s advice about what to eat, how to take your medicines, and how to exercise. Talk with your doctor about any pain or trouble moving.

Joint replacement is usually a success in most people who have it. When problems do occur, most are treatable. Possible problems include: infection, blood clots, loosening of the new joint, and nerve and blood vessel injuries.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

3 Common Running Injuries and Prevention

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The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Golfers and Baseball Elbow: What is it?

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Article featured on UW Medicine

What is medial epicondylitis?

Medial epicondylitis is also known as golfer elbow, baseball elbow, suitcase elbow, or forehand tennis elbow. It causes pain from the elbow to the wrist on the inside (medial side) of the elbow. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm. A tendon is a tough cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones.

What causes medial epicondylitis?

Medial epicondylitis is caused when too much force is used to bend the wrist toward the palm. This can happen when swinging a golf club or pitching a baseball. Other possible causes of the condition include:

  • Serving with great force in tennis or using a spin serve
  • Weak shoulder and wrist muscles
  • Using a tennis racket that is too tightly strung or too short
  • Throwing a javelin
  • Carrying a heavy suitcase
  • Chopping wood with an ax
  • Using a chain saw
  • Frequent use of other hand tools on a continuous basis

What are the symptoms of medial epicondylitis?

The most common symptom of medial epicondylitis is pain along the palm side of the forearm, from the elbow to the wrist, on the same side as the little finger. The pain can be felt when bending the wrist toward the palm against resistance or when squeezing a rubber ball.

The symptoms of medial epicondylitis may look like other health problems or conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is medial epicondylitis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of medial epicondylitis often can be made based on a physical exam. Your healthcare provider may rest your arm on a table, palm side up, and ask you to raise your hand by bending your wrist against resistance. If you have the condition, pain often is felt in the inner aspect of the elbow.

How is medial epicondylitis treated?

Treatment for medial epicondylitis includes stopping the activity that produces the symptoms. It is important to stop doing the movement that caused the condition in the first place. Treatment may include:

  • Ice packs to reduce inflammation
  • Activity modification
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Anti-inflammatory medicine
  • Bracing
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery (rare)

What can I do to prevent medial epicondylitis?

Being aware of your daily movements can help prevent this condition. Some suggestions include:

  • Using correct form when doing repetitive activities, such as work or sports movements
  • Keeping shoulders, forearms, and wrist muscles strong
  • Gently stretching forearm muscles before and after repetitive tasks
  • Using correct body mechanics when lifting or moving objects

Key points about medial epicondylitis

  • Medial epicondylitis causes pain from the elbow to the wrist on the inside (medial side) of the elbow.
  • It’s more common in people who play golf or pitch baseball.
  • Treatment includes stopping the activity that caused the pain.
  • Using the correct form when doing repetitive activities can help prevent the condition.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

  • Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
  • Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
  • Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
  • At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions your provider gives you.
  • Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
  • Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
  • Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
  • Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
  • If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
  • Know how you can contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:
503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Arthroplasty/Joint Replacement Surgery for the Lower Arm

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The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

What is a Knee Replacement Revision?

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Article featured on Summit Ortho

Hundreds of thousands of Americans have total knee replacement surgery each year to treat severe knee arthritis that no longer responds to conservative treatments. Conservative treatments are those such as medications, physical therapy, or injections. In this surgery, the damaged joint surfaces of the knee are replaced with artificial metal and plastic implants. These knee implants may last individuals 20 or more years. For some people, their knee implants will last the rest of their lives. However, some knee replacements do not last as long as patients and their providers hope or wear out over time.

“I think every knee replacement surgeon hopes that the knee replacement they do for each patient is the last knee surgery for that individual. But sometimes knee replacements wear out over time or may not function as well as we hoped,” said Summit hip and knee surgeon and total joint replacement specialist Brandon Kelly, M.D.

What is a knee replacement revision?

A knee replacement revision is a surgery to replace one or multiple knee replacement parts with new ones. The specifics of each revision surgery depend on how and where the original implant is failing. Other factors include the individual patient’s age, health, activity level, and other factors.

The need for a knee replacement revision surgery is an individualized decision made between the patient and the surgeon. It is typically recommended when there is a problem with the current knee replacement implants or if the knee is not meeting the patient’s quality of life goals. The decision for knee replacement revision is individualized to each patient’s medical and social factors. Sometimes, surgical intervention may not align with every patient’s goals of care.

“Knee replacement revision is usually a big decision for patients and surgeons. I like to educate my patients on what’s going well and what’s not going well with their current knee replacements. Then we discuss what may or may not be improved with revision knee replacement surgery before proceeding with surgery. I like to understand my patients’ goals to ensure I can meet them before proceeding with surgical intervention,” Dr. Kelly noted.

What else is important to know about knee revision surgery?

Revision knee replacement surgery is typically a more complex, longer, and technically challenging surgery than total knee replacement. That’s why it’s important to choose your knee revision specialist carefully. There are many factors that contribute to postoperative recovery, but recovery time after revision knee replacement surgery in most circumstances is similar to a total knee replacement surgery.

As with a first-time knee replacement, preoperative and postoperative physical therapy is vital to help condition and strengthen the lower extremities.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Why is Physical Therapy Vital After Hip Replacement?

in , , ,

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

What is an Ankle Replacement?

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Article featured on Mercy Health

What is an ankle replacement?

Arthroplasty — or ankle joint replacement surgery — is a procedure doctors offer to patients who suffer from arthritis in the ankle. The surgery replaces the ankle joint with an artificial one. This preserves range of motion while reducing pain.

Your doctor may recommend an ankle replacement if other conservative treatments aren’t working. Surgery is usually the last option because it has risks and requires a long recovery. Before opting for surgery, your doctor may try bracing, physical therapy, steroid injections or anti-inflammatory medications.

What to expect from ankle replacement surgery

Ankle joint replacement surgery is a major surgery that requires a hospital stay of two to three days or more. It may take longer for you to be able to walk on crutches or with a walker.

You’re either completely asleep under general anesthesia or numb from an injection during the surgery. Your doctor makes an incision in your skin above the ankle and moves soft tissues out of the way to get to the bone.

The surgeon cuts and removes the bottom of the tibia and the top of the talus. Screws attach the artificial joint in place. Your doctor will realign bones or correct deformities while working on your ankle if necessary.

After surgery, your doctor closes the incision with stitches or staples. Then he puts your ankle in a cast.

Recovery takes several weeks. Avoid putting weight on your ankle until your doctor confirms with x-rays that you’ve healed enough. You can work with a physical therapist to strengthen your muscles and improve range of motion.

Common conditions ankle replacement surgery

Doctors use ankle joint replacement surgery to treat arthritis in the ankles. Your ankle joints have cartilage between the bones that act as a cushion. Arthritis causes the cartilage to wear down. This causes the bones to rub against each other. Other reasons cartilage might wear out and cause your joints to fail are:

  • Infection
  • Wear and tear
  • Ankle fractures
  • Trauma to the ankle

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

5 Signs You Should See a Joint Replacement Specialist

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The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Arthritis Symptoms and Joint Replacement

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Article featured on Mass General Brigham

What is Arthritis?

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are conditions that can affect your joints and cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Over time, this can cause cartilage damage. Cartilage is a smooth tissue that protects the movement of the joint. As arthritis progresses, the cartilage continues to break down, causing more pain and reduced range of motion.

What are common arthritis symptoms?

Common symptoms of arthritis include:

  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Pain
  • Limited range of movement

Managing arthritis pain

There are nonsurgical options available if you want to reduce the pain associated with arthritis. Eating healthy foods and losing weight can be a good place to start. “One pound off the body is 4 pounds off the hip and knee. I always tell patients to celebrate when they take 1 pound off, because that’s 4 pounds off of all their joints. This makes them feel better and can help them move better too,” says Dr. Chen.

Other non-surgical treatment options include:

  • Over-the-counter medications, to manage the pain
  • Joint injections like steroids or hyaluronic gel
  • Low-impact strength training to strengthen the muscles to support your joints

Arthritis and joint replacement

“If your joint pain persists after trying these options, and you can’t do your daily activities, it might be time for you to get your joint replaced,” says Dr. Chen.

The most common arthritis joint replacement procedures are:

  • Hip replacement
  • Knee replacement
  • Partial knee replacement (depending on where your arthritis is located)

Hip replacement surgery

If you have hip arthritis, the cartilage in the ball and socket joint wears away. During a hip replacement, your surgeon makes an opening from the front, the side, or the back of your hip. They remove the ball and resurface the socket. They then place a new socket, liner, ball, and stem in your hip.

Knee replacement surgery

If you have knee arthritis, the cartilage between your thigh bone, shin bone, and kneecap wears away. During a knee replacement, your surgeon makes an opening to the front of the knee. They remove the damaged cartilage, replace it with metal, and add a plastic insert in the middle of the joint that allows your knee to glide smoothly. Depending on where your arthritis is located, your surgeon also may remove the back part of your kneecap and replace it with plastic.

Joint replacement surgery recovery

Everyone’s recovery is different, but most patients can walk with an assistive walking device immediately after their surgery. These devices can include:

  • Walkers
  • Canes
  • Crutches

“The most important thing to do is to move as much as possible after surgery,” Dr. Chen says. “Walking is a great option. Not only does it make your mobility better, but it also reduces your risk of blood clots.”

Following surgery, you need to do exercises either on your own or with a physical therapist. A physical therapist can develop a routine targeted to your needs to help you recover from your surgery.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

The Common Joint Reconstruction Surgeries

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Article featured on Movement Orthopedics

Aching and tired joints can be due to the natural aging process, playing sports, repetitive-motion injury from work or a hobby, or even from previous injuries. Degradation of the protective cartilage in a joint (osteoarthritis) and/or reduction of the lubricating synovial fluid (usually caused by rheumatoid arthritis) can cause stiff, achy, and swollen joints. This often occurs in the neck, back, shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees, or feet.

When less-invasive treatments – like pain-relief injections and physical therapy – do not work to relieve your joint pain, then your orthopedic doctor may recommend joint reconstruction surgery. There are different types of joint reconstruction surgery that can be performed to repair or replace the painful tissues and structures of the joint, and bio-grade prosthetic materials may be implemented to replace damaged areas of the joint.

Popular Types of Joint Reconstruction Surgery

Orthopedic medicine is constantly improving with new innovations and techniques. These are the most common joint reconstruction surgeries:

Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is an orthopedic surgery that is performed to remove and replace an arthritic or otherwise damaged joint with prosthetic parts. An orthopedic doctor may conduct a partial or total joint replacement, depending on the severity of the injury or damage.

Surgeons today can perform many types of total joint replacements as an outpatient procedure, especially with the knees and hips. Total joint replacement is most often done on the shoulder, elbow, finger, hip, knee, and ankle.

Joint Resurfacing Surgery

Joint resurfacing is often recommended for younger patients who may not benefit from a total joint replacement. Orthopedic surgeons usually perform this on the hip joint, where an injury tends to accelerate damage to the joint surfaces. This is done mainly where the ends of the hip bones rub against one another and move awkwardly.

Hip joint resurfacing surgery includes filing down part of the femoral head, which is the curved top of the femur (upper leg bone) which fits into the hip socket. The orthopedic surgeon then removes the socket area and replaces it with a metal prosthetic socket to support bone integrity.

Osteotomy

Osteotomy, or bone cutting and repairing, is the process of removing a specific section of bone – usually to straighten it or to make it even with the other limb or joint. The procedure is usually performed by orthopedic surgeons on the knees, hips, or legs of younger patients, and it is often an alternative to joint replacement surgery.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm