Joint Replacement Surgery Columbia, SC
Joint Replacement Specialist in South Carolina
- Bursitis
- Arthritis
- Dislocations
- Fractures
At Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, our dedicated team of Total Joint Physicians is committed to guiding you through your joint replacement journey. Trust in our specialty-trained physicians, whose sole mission is to restore your pain-free lifestyle swiftly and effectively.
At Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, our team of Total Joint Physicians are here to help you throughout your joint replacement journey.
Feel comfort in knowing that these specialty trained physicians have one goal: to get you back to a pain-free lifestyle as quickly as possible.
Are you experiencing joint pain and discomfort?
Contact us to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our orthopedic doctors at one of our locations near you or give us a call at (803) 256-4107.
Should I Consider Joint Replacement?
Joint replacement surgery can be a life-altering decision, especially for those suffering from severe joint pain that hampers everyday activities. This procedure is often recommended when less invasive treatments, such as medication or physical therapy, fail to provide relief. Reasons to consider joint replacement include:
- Persistent Pain: Chronic joint pain that interferes with your daily activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and even resting, can indicate that you need a joint replacement.
- Limited Mobility: Difficulty in moving or bending your joints can significantly reduce your quality of life. Joint replacement can restore mobility and freedom.
- Joint Stiffness: Stiffness in the joint, especially in the morning, can indicate degenerative changes that may be rectified with joint replacement surgery.
Your provider will try more conservative treatment methods before recommending surgery.
Recovery time after joint replacement surgery varies depending on the individual, the specific joint involved, and the patient’s overall health. Generally, recovery can be outlined in several stages:
Immediate Postoperative Period: This phase lasts for the first few days after surgery. Patients typically begin physical therapy immediately to promote blood flow and prevent clots.
Early Recovery: Over the next several weeks, patients gradually regain mobility and strength in the joint. Pain management and regular physical therapy are crucial during this period.
Long-term Recovery: Complete recovery and the return to full activities can take several months. It’s important to follow a physician’s advice and take your time with this process to ensure the best outcome.
Our team at Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery provides comprehensive care and tailored recovery plans to ensure you achieve the best possible results from your joint replacement surgery.
Get Back to a Pain-Free Life With Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery
Don’t let joint pain control your life. Our team of experts is here to help you every step of the way, from initial consultation to full recovery. Contact Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery in Columbia, SC, today to learn more about how we can assist you in regaining a pain-free, active lifestyle.
Are you struggling with persistent hip pain and limited mobility? Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery in Columbia, SC, is your advanced joint replacement destination. Our experienced team of Total Joint Physicians is committed to restoring your mobility and enhancing your quality of life.
Our team is dedicated to providing world-class treatment and genuine, patient-focused care. Midlands Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery leverages the most current techniques and state-of-the-art technologies to deliver superior patient outcomes. Embrace a life of mobility and comfort – we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a hip or knee replacement?
How long is the hospital stay for joint replacement?
When can I drive?
Will I need a blood transfusion?
What is the risk of blood transfusion?
How long is the recuperation period?
a. Hip replacement (resurfacing or standard types
- 1 to 2 days in the hospital
- use crutches for 1 to 2 weeks
- use a cane for another 2 weeks
- walking more than a mile without a cane and only a slight limp by 6 weeks
- less pain than before surgery at 6 week
- walking without a limp and climbing stairs foot-over-foot without a rail at 3 months
- swelling of the leg for 3 to 6 months
- maximum improvement at 6 to 12 months
b. Total knee replacement
- 2 to 3 days in the hospital
- crutches/walker for 2 to 3 weeks
- weight-bearing as tolerated
- cane for another 2 to 3 weeks
- physical therapy to gain range for motion for a total of 4 weeks
- pain less than before surgery at 4 weeks
- walking without a limp at 1 to 2 months
- swelling and warmth around knee for 3 to 6 month
- maximum improvement at 6 to 12 months
c. Partial knee replacement
- overnight stay in hospital
- physical therapy for 2 weeks at home
- crutches/walker for 1 week , weight-bearing as tolerated
- cane for another 1 to 2 weeks
- pain less than before surgery at 2 weeks
- walking without a limp at 2 to 3 weeks
- maximum recovery at 3 to 6 months
Who is a candidate for joint replacement?
How do joint replacements work?
Can I manage at home after hospital discharge?
Will I have post-op pain?
Very little with modern , multi-modal pain management techniques. In the past , both hip and knee replacement have been very painful procedures. As a rule , most people now are quite comfortable after surgery. The only people who do still have pain that is difficult to control are persons addicted to prescription narcotics prior to surgery. We use several different methods in combination to minimize post-operative pain:
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques are used whenever possible.
- Spinal anesthesia: The anesthesiologist will give you sedation , numb your skin and place numbing medication along with a long-acting narcotic into your spinal canal. This method cuts down on blood loss and blood clots , and it provides hours of pain relief.
- Local Anesthetic Infiltration: before closing your wound , we inject a local agent into your tissues to help provide post-operative pain relief.
- Platelet concentrate is used to decrease pain , speed up healing , and minimize blood loss during surgery.
- Ice Machine: A continuous circulation of ice water through a pad placed next to the surgical site aids in pain control and decreases swelling.
- B Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA Pump): This can be used for break-through pain control It allows you to push a button when you feel pain and cause Morphine or Demerol to be directly infused into your vein for immediate pain control (no need to wait for a nurse to bring pain medicine).
- Oral Narcotics: We use Oxycontin as a preemptive and continuous long-acting narcotic while you are in the hospital to prevent pain. Typically , Vicodin is used for additional pain control and is continued after the other methods (above) are no longer needed.
- Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Celebrex or Mobic is given in the pre-operative holding area , used throughout your hospital stay and for one month post-op. These decrease the need for narcotics and improve pain control (The fewer narcotics a patient requires , the better , because the side effects include confusion , nausea , itching and constipation.)
How long will I be out of work?
What equipment is needed post op?
The Physical and Occupational Therapy Department at the hospital will make arrangements for you to purchase a walker or crutches , raised toilet seat, a reacher and other equipment as needed. If you already have this equipment , please bring it with you to the hospital.