Joint Replacement Surgery

Pain in your shoulder, hip, or knee can have many causes. This type of pain also has a range of treatments, from physical therapy to orthopaedic surgery. We always strive to provide our patients with the least invasive treatment options first. But sometimes, your problem is serious enough that it requires a surgical solution such as a partial or total replacement of your joint.

When joint replacement surgery is needed, our Orthopaedic Surgical team has the expertise and experience to see you through the entire process and get you moving again. We will work with you to determine the best course of treatment, based on your individual circumstances.

Shoulder Replacement

During shoulder replacement surgery, all or part of the glenohumeral joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant made of metal and plastic. We perform a number of techniques based on your underlying condition.

Anatomic

Both the ball and socket are replaced with implants that resemble the natural shape of your bones.

Stemless

This minimally invasive technique uses a small anchor to attach the ball to the upper arm bone rather than using a more traditional stem.

Reverse

Used in the event of severe rotator cuff damage, both the ball and socket are replaced, but their positions are reversed with the ball attached to the shoulder blade and socket attached to the upper arm bone. 

Total Hip Replacement

Anterior Approach

The surgeon makes a small incision near the front of the hip to allow the removal of damaged bone or cartilage, followed by the implantation of an artificial hip. This artificial hip is made of metal alloys, plastics, and ceramics—it can be inserted by our expert surgeons without damaging nearby muscles and tendons.

  • Often, the walking device can be discontinued 1-3 weeks sooner with the posterior approach
  • Low risk of dislocation

Mini-Posterior Approach

The “Mini” stands for “minimally invasive.” A small incision is made at the back of the hip. As with the anterior approach, in order to access the joint and implant an artificial hip, muscle fibers are separated—not cut—thereby preserving their function.

  • Simplest, most common hip replacement procedure, with a high safety margin
  • Low risk of neurologic injury
  • Low risk of dislocation

Knee Replacement

Total Knee Replacement

An incision is made to reach damaged bone and cartilage, and replace them with an artificial joint made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers. A CT-based, custom pre-navigation system is sometimes used in planning before surgery.

Partial Knee Replacement

In this less-invasive technique for people with arthritis localized to one area within the knee, a single compartment of the knee is resurfaced with metal and plastic components. There are three types of partial knee replacements, depending on the location of your arthritis:

Patellofemoral—Partial knee replacement for those with knee arthritis that is confined to the patellofemoral (knee cap) compartment of the knee.

Medial Oxford—Implantation of a mobile-bearing prosthesis in the medial (inside) compartment of the knee.

Lateral Oxford—Implantation of a fixed-bearing prosthesis in the lateral (outside) compartment of the knee.

  • Partial knee replacements and total knee replacements have similar outcomes and complications
  • Faster recovery with partial knee replacement

To schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can treat orthopaedic spinal conditions, click here or call (603) 924-2144.


Preparing for Surgery and Post-Operation Recovery

For information about how to get ready for your surgery and what to expect in post-operation recovery, see our Joint Replacement Pre-and Post-Op Resources.