Is Joint Replacement Right for You?

Joint pain can gradually limit the way you move, sleep, work, and enjoy your daily life. When conservative treatments are no longer providing relief, joint replacement surgery may be the next step to restoring mobility and reducing chronic pain.  

At Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons provide advanced joint replacement options, including minimally-invasive and robotic-assisted procedures, all with the goal to help patients stay moving and doing the activities they value most.  

Our team is here to help you understand when a joint replacement is necessary, what is involved in the procedure and how long the recovery might take. 

What is Joint Replacement Surgery?  

A joint replacement (also called arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure in which a damaged joint is removed and replaced with a prosthetic implant designed to replicate the natural movement of the joint.  

Common joint replacements include: 

• Total knee replacement
• Partial knee replacement
• Total hip replacement (arthroscopy)
• Total shoulder replacement

At LBJI, joint replacement procedures are customized to you, based on your anatomy, activity level, and long-term goals.  

When is Joint Replacement Recommended?  

Most patients consider joint replacement after trying conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, injections such as corticosteroids or viscosupplementations, activity modifications, or bracing.  

Surgery may be recommended when pain persists despite nonsurgical treatments, or if joint stiffness limits your daily activities such as sleep, walking, or climbing stairs. Additionally, if imaging shows advanced conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, severe joint fractures, avascular necrosis, or chronic joint instability, a consultation for surgery may be necessary to improve pain.  

A consultation with an orthopedic specialist can help clarify your options if pain in your knee, hip, or shoulder is significantly affecting your quality of life.  

Benefits of Joint Replacement 

For appropriate candidates, joint replacement can provide long-term pain relief, improved mobility, better sleep quality, increased independence, and enhanced quality of life.  

In the past few years, joint replacement has been increasingly performed on active adults who want to maintain their mobility and independence for years to come. Modern implants are designed to last up to 25 years or longer, meaning that age no longer determines candidacy. Your orthopedic surgeon will evaluate the severity of your joint damage, your overall health, your activity goals, and your response to prior treatments.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

How do I know if I need a hip or knee replacement?  

If you have persistent pain interfering with walking, sleep, or daily function and conservative treatments have failed, joint replacement may be the next step. Your orthopedic surgeon will recommend imaging to confirm the severity of arthritis.  

How long does joint replacement surgery take? 

The procedure itself will take between 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity. Many joint replacement surgeries are completed in an outpatient environment resulting in a same-day discharge or short hospital stay compared to years past.  

Is joint replacement recovery painful?  

Pain is managed with a multimodal approach including medication, regional anesthesia, and early mobility protocols. Most patients report significant improvement in arthritis pain within weeks.  

How long do joint replacements last? 

Modern implants often last between 15 and 25 years or longer. Longevity depends on your activity level, weight, and the type of implant.  

Is robotic-assisted joint replacement better?  

Robotic-assisted surgery may allow for improved precision in implant placements, which can enhance alignment and potentially long-term outcomes. Your surgeon will help determine if it is appropriate for your case.  

What are the risks of joint replacement surgery? 

Your care team will walk you through the risks of joint replacement surgery as part of your care plan and consultation. Risks are minimized through careful surgical planning and postoperative care.  

Can I avoid joint replacement?  

Some patients are able to manage long-term symptoms with physical therapy, injections for pain management, weight management, and lifestyle modification. However, an orthopedic evaluation will help you determine the best course.  

Why Choose LBJI for Joint Replacement?  

LBJI provides comprehensive orthopedic care across multiple specialties. Our goal is to restore movement safely and effectively so you can return to your everyday life with confidence and keep moving.  

If joint pain is limiting your life, schedule an appointment with the LBJI team to learn more about your options.