Joint Replacement

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Advances in medical technology have made joint replacement therapy an effective option to treat chronic joint pain from arthritis and other degenerative joint diseases or injury. The multidisciplinary orthopedic care team at Lower Keys Medical Center includes orthopedic doctors, surgeons, pain management specialists and physical therapists who provide care. We offer orthopedic surgery, including:

• Total joint replacement for knees, hips, elbows and shoulders
• Hip resurfacing
• Minimally invasive options

Part of our care includes preparing our patients properly before surgery, as well as helping them recover their mobility. You'll know what to expect before, during and after surgery. Orthopedic care professionals are focused on providing quality care from diagnosis through recovery.

If joint pain is keeping you from the activities that you love, ask your doctor for a referral to an orthopedic surgeon.

Curious to know if any of Lower Keys Medical Center's joint pain treatment options are right for you? Take our joint pain assessment or register for an online seminar to learn more.

Take a Joint Pain Assessment Watch an On-Demand Online Seminar Now

Learn more about what to expect with joint replacement surgery.

Total Joint Precautions (Knee)
While recovering from surgery, you will follow specific precautions provided to you by your therapists. These precautions allow you to heal properly and help prevent potential complications. Make sure to ask your surgeon when it is safe to stop following these precautions.

• Follow the instructions of your physician and therapists regarding amount of weight allowed on your affected leg.
• Do not sleep or rest with your affected leg bent over a pillow.
• Position leg straight with a towel or pillow under your calf or heel.

Home Safety Preparation
Setting up your home for your return before you have surgery will help keep you safe, make your life easier and aid in your recovery. Listed below are suggestions for preparing your home for a safe recovery.

• Traffic pattern: Move obstacles, such as throw rugs, extension cords and footstools, out of your walk way. Create a wide, clear path from your bedroom to your bathroom and kitchen so you can easily move about with a walker or crutches.
• Bathroom: Ask an occupational therapist how to adapt your bathroom to meet your needs during recovery. You will likely need an elevated toilet seat or commode and a shower chair.
• Sitting: Sit in chairs that keep your knees lower than your hips. Choose a firm, straight-back chair with armrests. A dining room chair may work if you don't have other chairs. Add a foam cushion or folded blanket if you need to raise yourself up, but avoid sitting on a soft pillow. Also, avoid sitting in rolling chairs or recliners.
• Children and pets: Small children and pets can pose a safety hazard. Small children may need to be taught how to interact with you in ways that keep you safe. If you have pets, make arrangements to keep pets in another area of the house when you arrive home.
• Access to items: To avoid reaching or bending, keep frequently used items within easy reach, especially in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. It's a good idea to carry a cell phone or portable phone with you at all times during your recovery.
• Stair climbing: It's okay to climb stairs without assistance, if you are able. However, you may need help with climbing stairs when you first get home. Consider installing handrails or make sure existing handrails are secure.
• Laundry and cleaning: Get help with cleaning and laundry. Have a few weeks of clean clothes available.
• Mail: Arrange for somebody to collect mail or place delivery on hold (same with newspaper).
• Meals: Arrange for help with your meals and perishable foods (milk, salad, fruits and vegetables). Freeze pre-made dinners before your surgery. Stock up on non-perishable foods (boxed, canned and frozen) to make it easier to prepare meals after surgery.
• Driving: Arrange for someone to drive you to your after surgery appointments. Do not drive until your surgeon tells you it's okay to do so. Absolutely do not drive while taking narcotic medications. Do not drive until you have regained the range of motion, strength and reaction time needed to drive safely.