Joint Replacement 

Joint replacement is a surgical procedure to replace a worn out or damaged joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis). This surgery may be considered following a fracture, severe pain from arthritis or degeneration of a joint due to injury or wear and tear. Our expert BJC HealthCare orthopedic team will work with you to determine the best course of treatment, to ensure maximum mobility and function, with the goal of getting back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible. 

The joint replacement procedures offered at Progress West Hospital include:

• Hip replacement
  A total hip replacement is the surgical removal of the diseased ball and socket of the hip joint, which are replaced with a prosthetic (artificial) joint.

• Hip resurfacing
  Hip resurfacing surgery is a consideration for patients with severe hip arthritis. In some cases, it can be an alternative to total hip replacement. Less bone is removed with hip resurfacing. Your doctor will determine if you're a candidate for hip resurfacing.
   
• Knee replacement
  Total knee replacement involves replacing all three components of the diseased knee joint with a synthetic implant (prosthesis) to repair the damaged surfaces that are causing pain. The knee joint is composed of three parts: the end of the femur (thigh bone), the top of the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (knee cap). In the arthritic or problematic knee, the cartilage layers are destroyed, resulting in bone rubbing against bone, which causes pain, muscle weakness and limited motion. 
  
  In total knee replacement surgery, metal components are attached to the ends of the bones and a plastic liner is inserted between them. The knee cap is resurfaced with a plastic liner. These components move together to allow normal motion of the knee joint. 
   
• Partial knee replacement
  With a partial knee replacement, the damaged parts of the joint are replaced in just one or two compartments of the knee, retaining any undamaged parts.
   
• Shoulder replacement
  Shoulder replacement surgery replaces the ends of the damaged upper arm bone (humerus) and usually the shoulder bone (scapula) or caps them. 
  
  Recovery varies for each patient. In most cases, successful joint replacement surgery will relieve pain and stiffness, and allow you to resume many of your daily activities. Your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist will evaluate you throughout your recovery to determine the level of activity you can perform, so you have a seamless road to recovery. 
  
  Your case manager will also help you decide if BJC HomeCare services are needed or other skilled nursing to help you with post-operative care. 

Visit our Total Joint Replacement Resources page for helpful videos with details on preparing and recovering from total joint surgery.