Joint Replacement

When you need a joint replacement, Desert Care Network is the place to get treated. Our hip and knee surgeons have extensive experience and are dedicated to helping their patients achieve the most optimal outcomes from their joint replacement.

What is Joint Replacement?

This division of orthopedic surgery involves a procedure that replaces a diseased or damaged joint with an orthopedic prosthesis. Joint replacement surgery, whether traditional or minimally invasive, is performed to help decrease pain, increase mobility, and improve quality of life. It may be recommended if other treatment methods, such as exercise, walking aids, or medication are not effective. Should you be a candidate for joint replacement surgery, we can help restore your quality of life with specific implants that suit your individual activity level.

While joints in the elbows, fingers, and ankles can be replaced, the most common areas are hip, knee, and shoulder joint replacement. Osteoarthritis, or degenerative arthritis, leads to the complete wear of the cartilage in the hip or knee. This causes the bones to rub against each other, resulting in high levels of discomfort, pain, and stiffness. This is a leading cause of hip, knee, and shoulder replacements in patients.

Hip Replacements

A hip replacement involves the removal and replacement of portions of the pelvis and femur that form the hip joint. This procedure is primarily performed to relieve the pain and stiffness caused by arthritis in the hip. Injuries such as a broken or improperly growing hip or other conditions may also be treated with a hip replacement.

The three major types of hip replacement are:

• Total hip replacement (most common)
• Partial hip replacement
• Hip resurfacing

Knee Replacements

Knee replacements are performed by removing portions of the bone that form the knee joint and replacing them with artificial implants. This surgery is primarily performed to relieve knee pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis. A knee replacement surgery can also help patients who have a weakened knee joint caused by an injury or other condition.

There are two main types of knee replacement surgery:

• Total knee replacement (most common)
• Partial knee replacement

Minimally Invasive Procedures

For some patients, a minimally invasive joint replacement procedure may be appropriate. Minimally invasive procedures involve the use of smaller incisions than traditional surgery, causing less tissue disturbance. The benefits of this type of procedure for a joint replacement are less post-operative pain, fewer operative and post-operative complications, a shorter hospital stay, a faster recovery time, and more. While this procedure isn’t for everyone, your physician will discuss your options and advise you on the best approach for your joint replacement surgery.

Trust the talented orthopedic surgery team at Desert Care Network for joint replacements including hip and knee replacements. We are dedicated to helping our patients regain their mobility and quality of life through effective joint replacements.