Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic or ceramic device called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint. Hip and knee replacements are the most commonly performed joint replacements, although replacement surgery can be performed on other joints, as well, including the ankle, wrist, shoulder, and elbow.
In total knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, the damaged bone and cartilage from the patient’s shinbone, thighbone, and kneecap are cut away. An artificial joint made from metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers replaces the removed areas. Now the knee can move and function again without pain.
Total knee replacements are one of the most successful procedures in medicine, with over 600,000 performed each year in the U.S.
Several surgical procedures have been developed to address various shoulder injuries. Surgery may address issues such as instability, fractures, tears, and other conditions that are limiting the range of motion of this joint. As often as possible, surgeons prefer minimally-invasive techniques such as arthroscopic surgery to repair the structures within the shoulder. During the consultation for care, the type of surgery that is necessary is discussed and explained in detail to ensure patients feel confident with their treatment plan.
Shoulder replacement is a surgical technique that replaces the bony surfaces of the ball-and-socket joint with artificial prosthetics. The implants that replace natural, degraded structure are made of surgical grade metal and plastic. By replacing bones that may have developed spurs or other irregularities, shoulder surgery can help put an end to your pain.
Physical therapy is an area of healthcare in which the focus is on the evaluation and treatment of various physical limitations. Services provided by a licensed physical therapist revolve around improving functional mobility after an injury. This may be accomplished using specific rehabilitative exercise, manual therapy, and numerous different modalities. For example, in addition to facilitating and overseeing the performance of functional exercises to improve mobility, a physical therapist may also utilize heat, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, or other therapeutic methods to restore proper body mechanics.
Hip replacement is one of the most successful operations performed in the medical world. As we age as a population, the need is growing all the time. Hip replacement can make a real difference in the life of the patient, in effect allowing the person to return to a pain-free life once again.
Hip replacement involves addressing both the bone and the socket. The damaged ball of the thighbone is replaced with a metal ball; the socket is ground clean of damage and a metal socket is inserted into it for the new metal ball to pivot within. By having this surgery with our healthcare providers you can greatly improve your quality of life.
Osteoarthritis sometimes develops in only one partition of the knee, while the other two partitions remain relatively healthy. If you have osteoarthritis in only one partition, you may be a candidate for partial knee replacement. A partial knee replacement resurfaces only the damaged cartilage of the knee, preserving the undamaged cartilage. Since a partial knee replacement repairs only one side of the knee, the prosthesis parts are much smaller than they are with a total knee replacement surgery.
Not all patients are candidates for partial knee replacement. You’ll need to discuss your condition and the appropriate treatment options with your healthcare provider.
If you’ve ever played competitive baseball or softball, you probably know someone who has had issues with his rotator cuff. The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and tendons whose job is to pull and maintain the ball of the upper arm bone, the humerus, into the center of the shoulder joint. This pull and tension from the rotator cuff makes it possible to perform a whole range of complicated arm movements that would otherwise cause the head of the humerus to dislodge from the socket.
But the rotator cuff is prone to wear and tear with years of use. It is also susceptible to acute injury. A rotator cuff tear results in pain, limits shoulder mobility, and sends over two million Americans to the doctor yearly in search of help. A torn rotator cuff weakens the shoulder and impinges on everything from serving a throwing a ball to reaching up into a cabinet.
At Summit Healthcare Orthopedics, Dr. Brimhall has extensive experience diagnosing, treating, and, if necessary, surgically repairing rotator cuff tears.
Orthopedic rehabilitation is a personalized post-treatment program that focuses on the specific improvements a patient needs to achieve. For example, physical therapy services during orthopedic rehabilitation can expedite healing after surgery and restore an adequate range of motion to an injured joint.
