Joint Replacement Center
Joint Replacement Overview
Considering joint replacement surgery? We know it may seem overwhelming. That's why at AllianceHealth Oklahoma, our joint replacement program is designed to make the journey a little easier.
Our skilled orthopedic team will see you through every phase of care, from pre-op education through your last inpatient therapy session. And you'll experience it all in a small group setting with people just like you. Together, you'll share successes and concerns as you start to feel and move better.
Find an orthopedic surgeon nearby to see if a procedure can help you find relief from chronic joint pain. We also host free informational seminars to explore your options.
Is Joint Replacement Right For Me?
Hundreds of thousands of people have hip and knee replacement each year, with success rates of 98 and 96 percent respectively, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In addition to relieving pain, these procedures can enhance mobility and function, and help you rediscover the active life you love.
You may qualify for a life-changing procedure if you:
- Have severe arthritis or irreversible damage from fractures, torn cartilage and/or torn ligaments
- Struggle with daily functions like getting out of chairs or walking up and down stairs
- Are unable to sleep at night due to pain
- Haven't found relief with anti-inflammatory/pain medication or physical therapy
Joint Replacement Jitters
Fear: Joint replacement surgery is extremely painful.
Fact: While joint replacement is still major surgery and some discomfort immediately after the procedure is to be expected, having a joint replaced is no longer the daunting experience it once was.
In the past, total joint replacement surgery typically involved a large incision to reach the damaged or diseased joint. Today, advances in surgical techniques allow surgeons to perform joint replacement through smaller incisions and with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues - resulting in less pain.
Fear: After surgery, I will be off my feet for a long time.
Fact: While not a quick fix, joint replacement surgery does not involve weeks or months of bed rest - in fact, every effort is made to get patients up and moving soon after the procedure, often the same day.
Generally, joint replacement patients can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery, followed by a few weeks of outpatient physical rehabilitation. The time it takes to make a full recovery depends on many factors, including the reason for the surgery and type of procedure performed, as well as the age and overall health of the patient, but it typically takes three to six months.
Joint Replacement Procedures
The orthopedic surgeons on the medical staff at AllianceHealth Oklahoma specialize in total joint replacement, a procedure in which injured or diseased joints are replaced with artificial ones.
AllianceHealth Oklahoma offers the following joint replacement procedures. Click on the links below to learn more about each procedure, including your hospital stay and recovery time.
In addition to performing traditional orthopedic procedures, surgeons on the medical staff use minimally invasive techniques, which often allow for smaller incisions and minimal disruption to surrounding tissue. For you, this may mean less pain and scarring; more flexibility and mobility immediately following surgery; and a smoother, faster recovery.
Overcoming Joint Pain
You've been dealing with joint pain from osteoarthritis for years, and over-the-counter medications have become essentially useless. You want to keep up with your normal life, but joint pain is holding you back. Surgery will provide the best long-term solution, but there are short-term treatment options available to ease your symptoms until you are ready to take that step.
Pain-relieving Movement
Believe it or not, regular exercise can help relieve joint pain. Physical activity decreases pain, increases energy and improves sleep. Exercise can also help you lose weight, which reduces stress on your joints.
If you have mild to moderate arthritis, make sure your exercise activities are low-impact and place little stress on the joints. Always seek medical advice before changing your exercise routine. Your doctor can help you understand why you are having pain before, during or after a workout, and if your exercise is safe for your joints.
Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist. Physical therapy incorporates targeted exercises designed to strengthen your joints and improve your daily function. If exercise, either on your own or with a therapist, becomes impossible, it may be time to talk about knee replacement surgery.
Staying Positive Post-Op
After receiving a new joint, it takes time and effort to regain functionality and find your new normal. These positivity-boosting strategies can help keep your eyes forward and your spirits lifted as you walk the road to recovery.
- Build a Support System. Before surgery, gather a team of friends, neighbors and family members who can help you with daily tasks around the house, running errands and making it to appointments.
- Set Goals. Work with your doctor and rehabilitation team, set realistic short- and long-term goals. Keeping goals in mind helps you focus on the big picture instead of the hurdles you may have to overcome each day.
- Stay Busy. A busy mind will help combat boredom and boost your mood while your body recovers. Social interaction can help boost morale, which research suggests may improve the speed at which you heal.
- Get Out. Make plans to get out of the house for something other than physical therapy. A change of scenery can be refreshing. Try visiting a busy park or shopping center, take a scenic drive with a good friend or visit a bench at a beautiful outdoor space.
- Keep Track. Make a point of checking in with yourself weekly. Use this time to note any changes in your abilities and check on how you are feeling both mentally and physically.
- Celebrate Successes. There will be a lot of milestones along the path to rehabilitation. Celebrate them as they come by doing something special for yourself or with those that have been helping you reach them.
What to Do Before Surgery
- Around the House - Following your surgery, you may briefly require a wheelchair or walker. Make sure your hallways and other paths throughout your home are clear of obstacles. Have chairs with arms on each side and firm cushions to help you getting up after sitting. Reduce your need to go up and down stairs as much as possible by moving necessary items to your primary living space. Grab bars near bathtubs and toilets are also useful during recovery time.
- Getting Around - Depending on the procedure you have, driving could be difficult for four to six weeks after surgery. Apply for a temporary disabled parking permit now, so when you're ready to drive, parking lots aren't a source of pain.
- Taking Care of Business - How long you're away from work depends on the nature of your job. Office workers may be able to return sooner, but for those who perform physical labor, joint surgery could keep you away from work for several months. If you can perform some of your work from home, speak with your employer prior to your surgery to discuss any necessary arrangements.
- Don't Put off Chores and Errands - Take care of as many regular errands as possible ahead of time. Stock up on food that is quick and easy to cook without spending a lot of time on your feet. Make sure you have plenty of clean dishes and clothes to reduce the need for washing. Set up online bill-pay accounts if walking to your roadside mailbox might be difficult, or see whether your mail carrier can come to your door.
- Asking for Help is Natural - Above all, don't expect to be able to handle every need, and don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. Most people will be happy to help.
Why Choose Us?
AllianceHealth Oklahoma earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® for Certification for Joint Replacement-Hip and Joint Replacement-Knee at our Durant location in May of 2016. The Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with standards for hip and knee replacement, including orthopedic consultation, and pre-operative, intraoperative and post-surgical orthopedic surgeon follow-up care.
The AllianceHealth Oklahoma Joint Replacement Program is a specialized unit dedicated to the care of knee and hip replacement patients. This program brings together a team of knowledgeable surgeons with compassionate and specially trained nurses, therapists and technicians. Our goal is to provide seamless, coordinated care and get you back to your favorite activities as soon as possible.
We believe the key to better outcomes is a commitment to education and bringing the comforts of home to you and your family. Knowing what to expect each step of the way in a soothing environment goes a long way to reducing stress and anxiety and preparing you for a smooth recovery.
When everyday activities, such as walking, shopping or housework become difficult or unbearable or when taking part in favorite hobbies such as golf or bowling become a thing of the past because conservative measures like diet, exercise and medications no longer provide pain relief, it may be time to consider joint replacement.
Why do patients choose AllianceHealth Oklahoma?
In an effort to provide patients with a high-quality, personalized program, we continuously evaluate and measure our performance. Our team meets regularly with a focus on maintaining clinical and service expectations in all aspects of your joint replacement experience.
AllianceHealth Oklahoma's approach to joint replacement surgery encompasses wellness, early mobility, pain management, family involvement, education, personal responsibility, group interaction and minimally-invasive and rapid-recovery techniques.
With the improvements in surgical techniques and post-operation care, it is now common for many patients to be able to go home from the hospital after two or three days. Of course, each patient is different, but the goal is for you to recover in the comfort and privacy of your own home as soon as possible.
Our multidisciplinary orthopedic care team is committed to providing quality joint replacement care to patients in Southeastern Oklahoma and North Texas area.
Learn more about our Joint Replacement Center here.