The ends of two or more bones connected by thick tissue are what form a joint.  For example, the lower leg bone, called the tibia, is joined to the thighbone, called the femur, by the knee joint.  The ends of the bones are covered in a smooth layer of cartilage, which prevents friction during movement.  In addition, each joint is enveloped by a pocket of synovium, which releases fluid in the joint to further prevent friction and wear in the joint.  A joint with healthy cartilage and enough synovium should be a joint free of pain.  Pain in a joint may arise due to cartilage damage.  This may be from injury, wear and tear, or arthritis in the joint.  As a result, the joint becomes less mobile and painful.  Initially, if a person is feeling pain in their joints, it’s likely they will undergo some tests to determine the extent of the damage.  A physical examination may be given, as well as possible laboratory tests and x-rays. 

What Can Be Done?

Physicians most commonly prescribe medication, physical therapy, aquatic therapy, exercise and rest for arthritis and joint injury patients. Sometimes a patient will try all of these methods before considering surgery.  If arthroscopic or joint replacement surgery is selected as a treatment option, the foremost goal is to achieve pain relief. Additional objectives may include regaining function, correcting deformity, and/or preventing further damage.

Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which certain parts of an arthritic or damaged joint, such as a knee or hip joint, are removed and replaced with a prosthesis, or artificial joint. The artificial joint is designed to move just like a normal, healthy joint.  In Total Knee Replacement, the artificial joint is composed of metal and polyethylene to replace the diseased joint. The artificial joint is most commonly anchored into place with bone cement. In some applications, it is covered with material that allows bone tissue to grow into it.  Hip replacement involves replacing the femur (head of the thigh bone) and the acetabulum (hip socket). Typically, the artificial ball with its stem is made of a strong metal or ceramic, and the artificial socket is made of polyethylene (a durable, wear-resistant plastic) or metal backed with a plastic liner. The artificial joint may be cemented in position or held securely in the bone without cement.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive hip and knee replacement surgery is not for every patient. But for patients who qualify, the benefits may be substantial. If you suffer from knee or hip pain, the goal at Community Hospital of Los Gatos is to pursue the least invasive path to treating your pain. This may or may not include hip or knee replacement surgery. But if a replacement is the prescribed treatment, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive surgery.   Minimally invasive hip and knee replacement surgery is not for everyone. But for those who qualify, the benefits may be substantial: smaller incisions can result in less tissue trauma, shorter stays in the hospital, minimal scarring and faster recovery.

Physicians at Community Hospital of Los Gatos are among a skilled group of surgeons nationwide with the skill, technology, specially trained nurses and support staff to perform the specialized technique of minimally invasive joint replacement.

Minimal pain, maximal gain.

The goal of joint replacement surgery is to provide a pain-free hip or knee that will last as long as possible and allow the patient to enjoy a relatively normal lifestyle. 90 to 95% of hip and knee replacements performed today should last 15 years or longer.

A new lease on lifestyle.

At the Community Hospital of Los Gatos, our complimentary Pre-Operative Education Class will start you on the road to recovery before your surgery. During this interactive 1 1/2 hour presentation, a nurse, physical therapist and occupational therapist will review all aspects of the recovery process with you, give you the information needed to promote a smooth recovery, and answer all of your questions. Following surgery, rehabilitation is pursued through a coordinated and aggressive rehabilitation program. Our innovative regimen is focused on helping patients regain maximum mobility with the ultimate goal being the return to a vigorous, active lifestyle. Patient education and personal interaction with our staff is our priority throughout your stay. Patients benefit through written materials and an active environment, including a pre-operative class with staff, other patients, and the inclusion of family and friends in the recovery process.

Therapy begins immediately.

Patients who have had hip or knee replacements may be able to walk out of the hospital within 2 to 4 days. Upon release, each patient leaves with his or her own comprehensive guide for rehabilitation through post-op and beyond, including techniques for joint protection during activities of daily living.

Questions?

If you are thinking about joint replacement surgery, it is a good idea to first consider these questions:

► Is your pain unbearable?
► Have I given up all, or most of the activities I enjoy because of pain and other symptoms?
► Is this is a situation that has not responded to other treatments?
► Has my pain and stiffness increased steadily over the past several months to a year?
► Are you prepared to follow a rehabilitative regimen?
► Are you realistic about the surgery?

To learn more about Minimally Invasive Surgery or traditional Hip or Knee Replacement, plan to join us for one of our upcoming knee and hip pain seminars by calling 1 (888) 257-5476 to reserve your space, or visit the Find An Event calendar. 

You may also find a physician who specializes in Joint Replacement by visiting Find A Physician.