Joint replacement surgery is a big decision for those suffering from pain and difficulty moving. Many people have questions about this procedure. Skagit Regional Health (SRH) orthopedic surgeons provide insight into the benefits, what to expect before, during and after surgery and tips for a successful recovery.

Q: What are the most common reasons patients seek joint replacement surgery?

A: If you are experiencing pain, weakness or limited mobility, it might be time to consider joint replacement surgery. The most common joint replacement surgeries are for the shoulder, hip and knee. Ankles, elbows and wrists can also be replaced.

Christopher Sheu, MD, FAAOS, CAQSM, orthopedic surgeon at the Mount Vernon Surgery Center, explains, "The main complaints are pain, decreased function, decreased motion and sometimes weakness. Depending on the joint, you may also have patients who experience instability, locking or catching."

Q: How do you determine if a patient is a good candidate for joint replacement surgery?

A: Good candidates for joint replacements are experiencing significant, long-term pain due to arthritis and have not found relief through more conservative methods. Skagit Regional Health orthopedic surgeon Brett Hall, MD, states, "Becoming a candidate for joint replacement is based on several factors including overall health status, age, degree of arthritis and the effect of the arthritis on quality of life."

Patients generally begin to address arthritis pain with diet changes, exercise, medications, injections or assistive devices. "If those things fail, then we talk about surgery as a last resort," says Dr. Sheu.

Q: What should patients do to prepare for surgery?

A: Once surgery is deemed appropriate, the orthopedic team will obtain insurance authorization and ensure the patient is medically fit for surgery. Patients may need to focus on weight loss or managing conditions like diabetes or smoking cessation prior to joint replacement, notes Dr. Hall.

In addition to the physical and medical preparation, orthopedic surgeon, Alexander Willis, MD, emphasizes the importance of mental and social preparations. "From a social standpoint, it is crucial for patients to have support at home during the recovery process," he says. In addition to setting up for recovery at home, becoming well-informed about the surgery will set patients up for success.

Q: What happens during the joint replacement procedure?

A: The surgery itself involves a minimally invasive approach with a small incision along the joint.

"We take care to preserve the soft tissues, remove the diseased portions and replace them with a prosthetic joint," explains Dr. Sheu.

Most patients can go home the same day to start their recovery.

Q: What does recovery look like after joint replacement surgery?

A: Dr. Willis believes physical therapy is crucial post-surgery. "Having an expert guide you through which motions you can do after the surgery and checking in with them frequently is going to give you the best possible outcome," he says.

Recovery times vary depending on the type of work and the joint replaced.

Dr. Willis explains, "For patients with sedentary jobs, they can usually return to work within four-to-six weeks after a hip or knee replacement. For those with jobs involving occasional walking or standing, it might take two and a half months and for physically demanding jobs, at least three months." Dr. Hall adds, "I tell most patients that it takes close to six months to get the full benefit from the joint  replacement."

Q: What advice do you have for patients to ensure a successful recovery and long-term outcome after joint replacement surgery?

A: Dr. Hall emphasizes that having a joint replacement for the right reasons and proper preparation—both medical and physical fitness—are critical for a successful outcome.

Having an involved family member or friend as your “coach” who understands the procedure and the recovery process, can also play a huge role in ensuring a smooth recovery.

Dr. Willis stresses the importance of education and realistic expectations. "The more educated you are and the more realistic your expectations are about the perioperative and postoperative periods, the better you'll understand the pain and the necessary therapy. This leads to higher satisfaction with the overall experience."

Q: Can joint pain be prevented?

A: Yes!

"One of the best ways to help prevent joint pain is through low-impact aerobic exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight," advises Dr. Hall.

Yoga, swimming and walking are all low-impact activities that can help to strengthen the muscles that support your joints. Stretching to increase flexibility of those muscles can also help.

If you're experiencing joint pain, speak with your primary care provider or an orthopedic provider to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Skagit Regional Health offers Orthopedics & Sports Medicine appointments at the Mount Vernon Surgery Center and in Smokey Point and Stanwood.

For more information on joint replacement or to schedule an orthopedic appointment, call:

Mount Vernon Surgery Center: 360-814-2663
Smokey Point: 360-435-6641
Stanwood: 360-435-6641