Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement is often recommended if you have constant pain and have limited range of motion in a joint. Joints can be damaged from disease or injury. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is frequently the cause of joint pain and stiffness. Although osteoarthritis becomes more common with age, younger people can develop it, usually as the result of a joint injury, a joint malformation, or a genetic defect in joint cartilage. Cartilage is the hard but slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another. It also absorbs energy from the shock of physical movement. In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage breaks and wears away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint.

Of course, not every person with joint pain needs joint replacement surgery; only your doctor can tell you that, but it has become increasingly more common. The joints replaced most often tend to be the weight-bearing joints; hips, knees and ankles. Replacing a joint can relieve pain and help you regain mobility.

If you and your doctor determine that you should undergo a joint replacement, you should read more about Preparing and Recovering from Joint Replacement Surgery. Your doctor may determine you are a candidate for same-day joint surgery. This is not an option for all patients, but if your physician determines it is appropriate for you, you can read more about it in Your Guide to Same Day Joint Surgery.

It has been shown that people who attend joint replacement classes have less post-operative pain and anxiety by knowing what to expect, are likely to have better outcomes, and are more active in their care plan and recovery. Milford Regional offers total joint replacement classes for elective hip and knee surgery twice a month. In this hour long class we will help you prepare for your upcoming joint replacement surgery, anticipate what to expect during your hospital stay and what you can do ahead of time to help prepare for your return home. We encourage patients to attend one of these classes with a family member or friend about a month before your surgery.

View the joint replacement class schedule here.