It’s important to seek help for joint pain — especially when it’s disrupting your life. Maybe you had joint replacement surgery scheduled but it was postponed because of COVID-19. Or maybe you’ve just been reluctant to see a doctor until it seemed safe again.
Although it’s still necessary to protect yourself when you’re out and about, you may be slowly getting back to some of your activities and appointments. And taking care of your health should be at the top of the list.
Learn more about joint replacement surgery, including what to expect before and after, and how we’re working to protect you when you’re in our care.
Who Needs Joint Replacement Surgery?
Patients age 65 and older are often good candidates for joint replacement surgery if they’ve:
- Continued to experience chronic pain even while sitting or asleep
- Exhausted all other forms of treatment
- Maintained an active lifestyle
Total joint replacement surgery is not recommended for those who are overweight, tobacco smokers or living with diabetes since these factors can increase the chance for infection and complications after the surgery.
What Should I Expect Before and After Surgery?
Once your medical team recommends surgery as an effective option for treating your chronic joint pain, your primary care provider or orthopedic specialist will work with you to ensure that joint replacement surgery is safe for you.
This might require testing for any allergens that may be contained in the implants and used during the procedure. If you have an allergy to nickel, chrome, cobalt or other metals, or the cement used in the surgery, special consideration is required, as you may not be eligible for the procedure or may require different materials.
The surgery itself is an inpatient procedure. During your stay, you can count on your care team to provide personalized, compassionate care.
What Makes Mako Joint Replacement Different?
Mako is a type of robotic-arm assisted surgery that provide many benefits if you're a good candidate, including:
- Faster recovery
- Less blood loss
- More accurate placement of implants
- Preservation of healthy bone
- Smaller incisions
Expert physicians who are experienced with Mako procedures can help you determine if this type of procedure is right for you.
Will I Need Physical Therapy After Surgery?
Physical therapy after surgery is essential to recovery. In about six to eight weeks with physical therapy, you can be back on your feet with considerably less pain.
As for scarring, the incision is always only as big as it needs to be. Special care and concern are taken to minimize scarring related to the procedure.
Live Pain-Free Again
Find peace of mind knowing we’re taking extra safety measures to protect you when you’re here, including:
- Universal mask use: We’re stocked with safety supplies, have no shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks are required for all at our facilities
- Temperature checks: Everyone in our facilities has their temperature checked upon entry
- Social distancing: With new waiting room protocols and more, you can safely practice social distancing
- Patient cohorting: COVID-19-positive and symptomatic patients are carefully quarantined away from patients and visitors
- Visitor limitation: Our facilities are limiting the number of visitors — and making sure those allowed are screened for symptoms before being allowed to enter
Our joint replacement surgery experts are here to help you get moving through life comfortably again. Joint replacement is extremely effective at restoring your mobility and helping you get back to the life you love. Don’t hold off getting the care you need any longer.
Learn more about our Orthopedic Care and how we can help you restore your vibrant, active life by contacting Laura Kozenieski, our Orthopedic Nurse Navigator at
Call727-942-5074.
