Joint Replacement Surgery FAQs
What are alternatives to joint replacement surgery?
There are many non-surgical options including:
- Medications
- Anti-inflammatories
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Prescription-strength pain relievers
- Physical therapy with activity modifications
- Assistive devices, such as a cane or knee brace
- Injections
- Cortisone injections
- Viscosupplementation (fluid functions as lubricant)
What could happen to my joint if I don’t get joint replacement surgery (but need it)?
If you need joint replacement surgery and don’t get it, you’ll likely experience progressively worse
and continual pain, leading to decreased function and poorer quality of life. You also run the risk of further
deformity of the joint, which makes a future joint replacement more challenging.
When should I get hip replacement or knee replacement surgery?
The first indication occurs when non-surgical options, such as anti-inflammatory medication or cortisone shots are
no longer relieving pain – and the pain is negatively affecting your everyday activities. If this is the
case, it’s best to talk it over with an orthopedic surgeon to make the correct diagnosis, and then explore
treatment options, including possible joint replacement.
What will occur during surgery and how long will the operation take?
Your surgeon will thoroughly discuss the surgery with you beforehand and will use joint replacement models to help
you better understand the surgery. During surgery, the total or partial joint will be removed and replaced with
an artificial joint (a combination of metal and plastic). The surgery typically takes about one to two hours, depending
on the severity of the arthritis (the most common cause of joint replacement surgery).
Will I be in pain after hip replacement or knee replacement surgery?
Yes, there will be pain, but your doctor and medical team will make sure your pain is manageable. During and after
the surgery, a long-acting numbing medicine is delivered intravenously (IV) to provide up to three days of noticeable
pain relief. The pain should gradually get better. In most cases, physical therapists have patients standing at
bedside and even taking a few steps a few hours after the surgery. Any breakthrough pain is adequately controlled
with oral pain medication.
What does an artificial joint feel like and how does it move differently from my original joint?
Most patients notice very little difference between the replaced joint and a normal joint. The artificial joint should
function nearly the same as the original joint, but the mechanics are slightly different. After rehabilitation,
your mobility should be at a much greater level and with little to no pain.
What will my activity be like after joint replacement surgery?
Initially, the goal is to get the patient walking with a walker, with progression to a cane and then walking without
aids. Typically, the progression from walker, to cane, to no aids is directed by the patient’s physical therapist.
What should I expect during recovery and rehabilitation?
Expect gradual progress in range of motion and gains in strength, with elimination of the pre-surgical pain. You
should also be ready to work hard and consistently throughout rehab.
How important is rehab to my recovery?
The ultimate success of the surgery depends on rehab, especially with knee replacement surgery, as knees tend to
require more to restore joint motion. Regaining strength and motion allows patients to enjoy the best results.
Will I ever need another joint replacement surgery on the same joint?
If the artificial joint becomes worn down or
loose, revision surgery may be needed. Infection may warrant revision as well. We recommend periodic follow-ups
with your surgeon.
