Our joints are in constant movement. When a joint starts to wear out, the cartilage (or cushioning) around the joint breaks down, causing bones to rub together. Advanced and end-stage joint disease can be caused by:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Other inflammatory joint problems
• Previous joint injuries
• Joint infections
• Other rare conditions that cause chronic joint pain

Osteoarthritis, or arthritis of the joints, is diagnosed through an examination of a patient’s medical history, a physical exam, and x-rays. A primary care doctor may be able to diagnose this, or at least notice the signs to refer you to a specialist.

A total joint replacement (also known as arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure performed by an orthopedic surgeon. During the procedure, the arthritic or damaged areas of the joint are removed and replaced with a metal or plastic device. This device is designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint. Hip, knee and shoulder replacements are the most common joint replacements, but replacement surgery can be performed on other joints, such as the ankle, wrist, shoulder and elbow.

The first step for a joint replacement procedure is to meet with an orthopedic doctor. They can use diagnostic imaging and a physical examination to diagnose and determine if a joint replacement is right for you.

Depending on your results, an orthopedic specialist may recommend joint replacement surgery if:

• You suffer from limited mobility, swelling or stiffness that severely limits your daily activities and quality of life.
• You’ve already tried other non-surgical joint pain treatments, such as exercise modifications, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, injections and braces.
• You continue to experience a decline in function and disabling pain.

Because our team is active, both educationally and clinically, we have access to many of the latest treatments and newest technologies. We consistently rank among the top in the northwest region for performing cutting-edge and innovative orthopedic surgeries.

Mako SmartRobotics™ is an innovative solution for many suffering from painful arthritis of the knee or hip. Mako uses 3D CT-based planning software so your surgeon can know more about your specific anatomy to create a personalized joint replacement surgical plan. This 3D model is used to pre-plan and assist your surgeon in performing your joint replacement.

Learn more about Mako SmartRobotics™.

The anterior approach to hip replacement, or total hip arthroplasty, allows doctors to perform a hip replacement surgery with a minimally invasive technique, using a smaller incision on the front (anterior) of the hip rather than the back or side. This generally results in less trauma to the tissue under the skin, which means less pain and a faster recovery.

Following the anterior approach procedure, patients usually enjoy a greater range of movement almost immediately. In most cases, patients can use their hip normally without restrictions. As the incision is on the front of the hip, patients don’t incur the pain of sitting on the incision site. There’s also a smaller surgical scar left by the anterior approach. Not all patients are candidates for this procedure. The results and recovery from hip replacement depend on a wide range of factors including age, weight and activity level. Talk with your doctor to see if you are a candidate.

Recovery varies from patient to patient and is dependent on a number of factors including the type of procedure performed and the patient’s age, weight and activity level. Some patients who receive joint replacement are able to return home the same day as surgery while others may require a short overnight stay in the hospital. It is typically expected that the patient is able to independently get in and out of bed, get dressed and use the toilet at the time of discharge.

Many joint replacement patients are routinely standing and walking within a day or two of surgery with the aid of an assistive device such as a cane, walker or crutches. Some patients are even walking the same day as surgery. Most patients are able to resume driving within 2-8 weeks once they have discontinued use of opioid pain medications and have received approval from their doctor. The timeline for a patient to return to work will vary. Someone with a sedentary job may be able to return to work within a few weeks, while someone with a more physically demanding job will require a longer recovery before returning to work.

Every person’s anatomy and situation are unique, so it’s important to discuss your specific recovery timeline with your orthopedic surgeon.

At Portneuf Medical Center, our team performs hundreds of joint replacements annually and we care for well over 800 orthopedic patients each year. In fact, studies show that our total joint replacement patients are happier, healthier and stronger after surgery than patients at some other facilities. The Total Joint Center and our advanced joint replacement program can help you return to an active lifestyle and a higher quality of living.

We provide a comprehensive range of services to help get you back to doing the things you enjoy. Our services include:

• Diagnosis and treatment of joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic joint pain and joint trauma by board-certified surgeons.
• Patient education to teach patients what to expect before, during and after a joint replacement.
• Advanced technologies and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes.
• A full continuum of care, such as therapy services and rehabilitation.

To determine if joint replacement is right for you, make an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists. Call 208-233-2100 to schedule. During your appointment, we will perform a full evaluation to determine the best treatment option for you.

The biggest benefit of hip replacement surgery, and any joint replacement surgery, is the relief from the symptoms of stiffness and pain. After the recommended recovery period from this surgery, you’ll likely find that you can do many activities that were painful to do before, such as walking up stairs or going to the grocery store. Replacing the damaged joint will improve quality of life by allowing you to restore much of your independence that the pain limited.

Osteoarthritis (arthritis of the joints), develops slowly and worsens over time, causing the following to occur:

• Cartilage wears away
• Joint space between the bones decreases
• Bones spurs can occur

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Pain with vigorous activity
• Pain in hips, thigh, and groin
• Stiffness of hip joints, causing difficulty walking or bending
• Decreased range of motion

Many common first steps before surgery is suggested are some non-surgical treatment options to help the hips, including:

• Walking aids, like a cane
• Physical therapy
• Exercise program - to manage weight
• Medications or injections

When these options don’t seem to help, that is when hip replacement surgery is recommended.

You and your doctor will decide together if the best option for your arthritis is surgery. One of the best benefits of this surgery is that it relieves the symptoms of arthritis, including:

• Severe pain that limits everyday activity
• Pain that wakes you at night
• Deformity (bowleg or knock knees)
• Stiffness

Most patients who undergo this surgery experience a change in their quality of life for the better. After recovery, they are able to perform many of the everyday activities that they couldn’t participate in before.

Any combination of these factors can cause stiffness and pain and limit activity.

In an arthritic knee, several things occur that can cause pain and may eventually include surgery.

• Cartilage lining is extremely thin or gone. The degree of cartilage damage varies with the stage and type of arthritis.
• Swollen knee cap.
• Space for joint is narrow and irregular.
• Bone spurs and excessive bone can build up.

You and your doctor will decide together if the best option for your arthritis is surgery. One of the best benefits of this surgery is that it relieves the symptoms of arthritis, including:

• Severe pain that limits everyday activity
• Pain that wakes you at night
• Deformity (bowleg or knock knees)
• Stiffness

Most patients who undergo this surgery experience a change in their quality of life for the better. After recovery, they are able to perform many of the everyday activities that they couldn’t participate in before.

Any combination of these factors can cause stiffness and pain and limit activity.

In an arthritic knee, several things occur that can cause pain and may eventually include surgery.

• Cartilage lining is extremely thin or gone. The degree of cartilage damage varies with the stage and type of arthritis.
• Swollen knee cap.
• Space for joint is narrow and irregular.
• Bone spurs and excessive bone can build up.