Areas of Focus:
A Long History of Quality Outcomes
With decades of experience and the latest techniques, we’ve earned a reputation for fast recovery times and excellent patient outcomes to keep thousands of your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors happy and active.
In our 35+ years, the surgeons at Orthopaedics East & Sports Medicine Center have performed tens of thousands of total joint replacements to get patients from across Eastern North Carolina back to work, back to play, and back to their everyday. Through ongoing training and continuing education, our physicians continue to integrate the latest in research, materials, procedures, and techniques into their work to ensure the very best in your surgical outcomes.
Surgical joint replacement is typically an option for most patients after ortho-biologics and other non-surgical interventions have failed to relieve joint pain and/or disability. The goal of surgical joint replacement is to restore the quality of our patients’ health and life. Our surgeons are experienced and highly trained in a variety of joint replacement surgical procedures and techniques, such as the anterior hip replacement approach.
Total joint replacement prostheses, techniques and technologies have been evolving for over 80 years. Today, these procedures result in significant restoration of function and reduction of pain in 90% to 95% of patients. Technological advances have increased the typical life of a prostheses to typically 15-20 years, depending on personal circumstances.
Recognizing and Understanding Joint Pain
When a joint is healthy, all parts work together to move easily and pain free. Disease or injury can disturb the normal functioning of joints, resulting in pain, muscle weakness, and limited movement.
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint disorders, affecting more than 42 million people in the United States. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Other causes of joint pain are deformity or direct injury. Sometimes, regardless of cause, joint pain can worsen after periods of disuse. The muscles around your joint weaken, which can make it even more difficult and painful to move.
Outpatient Total Joint Replacement
Advancements in medical technology, techniques and pain management have made it possible for some patients to have joint replacement surgery in an outpatient setting. Outpatient joint replacement surgery is a joint replacement procedure that allows the patient to return home on the same day of the operation rather than having to stay overnight (typically one to three days) in the hospital. This can offer many benefits to people who qualify for this procedure, which include, but are not limited to lower risk of infection, quicker return to normal activities, higher satisfaction, and a more comfortable recovery at home.
Preparing for Joint Replacement
It is important to give yourself time to prepare for the physical, psychological, and social aspects of joint replacement surgery. Planning ahead for the challenges of surgery and recovery will help ensure a more successful outcome. Here is a great link to help you get ready for surgery: Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery.
Oftentimes, people preparing to undergo a joint replacement procedure fail to appropriately prepare financially. In most cases, the final cost of surgery won’t be determined until after the procedure is complete and claims have been paid by your insurance plan. Patients also will likely incur additional expenses (e.g., hospital or surgery center, anesthesiology, labs) separate from those incurred from Orthopaedics East & Sports Medicine Center. We aim to be as transparent as possible with our patients about the cost of our services. Upon request, we will gladly provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses for the services we provide. Occasionally, additional services may be performed during your procedure that were not anticipated by your surgeon.
Physical therapy is a critical part of recovery following total joint replacement, and it is essential to follow the advice of your providers to ensure the best outcome following your surgery. A physical therapist may recommend:
- Activity modifications to prevent pain and strain on your affected joint
- Manual therapy to relieve pain or discomfort around your affected joint
- Aerobic training to improve your overall health
- Strength training, including isometric and isotonic exercises, to help preserve function without subjecting joints to excessive wear
- Daily walking, using a cane or other assistive device, as needed
Schedule an appointment today with one of Eastern North Carolina’s leading orthopedic and sports medicine physicians!
