Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics recently held its second total joint replacement seminar to inform current and prospective patients of the benefits of this innovative procedure. Dr. Patrick C. Toy led the discussion. 

Thanks to a growing number of patients between ages 50 and 70, more individuals are considering total joint replacement than ever before.. These patients often experience wear and tear in one or multiple joints from osteoarthritis. Patients should consider having a joint replaced if everyday activities or quality of life are affected, pain becomes disruptive and conservative methods, such as anti-inflammatory medication or physical therapy, have failed.

During total joint replacement, a surgeon replaces parts of an arthritic or damaged joint with artificial components. The procedure may take place either in an outpatient surgery center or an inpatient hospital setting. Campbell Clinic’s goal is to return patients to a normal life where they may enjoy practical levels of activity, free of joint pain. Joint replacement is most commonly performed on hips, knees and shoulders.

During the seminar, patients had the opportunity to ask Dr. Toy questions about the procedure. Below are a few highlights from the Q&A session:

Around what age is best for total joint replacement? There is no age limit. Age is only a number; physiology is the determining factor. The average age of those going through with the procedure has steadily decreased. Patients are often within 45 to 64 years of age.

What is the expectation for how long total joint replacement would last with weight stabilization and regular exercise? Dr. Toy recommends low-impact exercise to keep patients at lower risk for injury. While every patient is different, artificial components are lasting longer than ever before thanks to technological advancements. There is no set time limit for their duration.

How long should one wait to undergo total joint replacement after receiving injections? Surgery should be on hold for at least six weeks after receiving a cortisone injection.

Do more women need total joint replacement than men? Although women are at slightly greater risk for osteoarthritis, Dr. Toy sees an equal amount of men and women in his clinic seeking this procedure.

After the operation, how long will a caretaker be needed? Patients can bear weight immediately after the surgery. Discomfort is often absent in the delivery room, immediately following operation. Patients should expect to need some basic assistance from a caretaker for up to three weeks, although some patients recover and gain independence sooner.

When should one expect to be able to drive after surgery? If surgery took place in the left side of the body, the patient may drive when the effects of pain medicine have lessened. If the procedure took place in the right side, driving may not be an option for one to two weeks. Patients must have full control of the legs before operating a motor vehicle.

If needed, could you perform total joint replacement on both knees at the same time? This is an option, but Dr. Toy does not recommend it.

How many rehab treatments should each patient expect to attend after surgery? Are these treatments offered at Campbell Clinic? The number of treatments differs by patient. Physical therapy and rehab are offered at all Campbell Clinic locations.

Have further questions about total joint replacement? Call Campbell Clinic at 901-759-5400. And stay tuned for an announcement about our 2017 event schedule.