Many people suffering with arthritis and hip pain/stiffness may be candidates for a less invasive hip replacement procedure - the anterior approach. This surgical option may mean a shorter recovery period and quicker return to daily lifestyle than with most traditional hip replacement procedures. The anterior approach allows the surgeon to reach the hip joint from the front of the hip as opposed to the lateral (side) or posterior (back) approach. From the front, the most important muscles for hip function - the gluteal muscles that attach to the pelvis and femur - are left undisturbed and, therefore, do not require healing.
Learn MoreNorthwest Medical Center and Oro Valley Hospital offer robotic-assisted surgical options for partial knee, total knee and total hip surgery for adults whose health is affected by medical conditions, such as mid-stage and advanced osteoarthritis. Robotic-assisted surgical treatments transform the way joint replacement surgery is performed by enabling surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased accuracy.
Before surgery, a computed tomography (CT) scan is taken of your affected joint, and the robotic-assisted surgery system creates a 3D anatomical model. This allows the surgeon to plan the placement and alignment of your implants based on your unique anatomy.
During surgery, the software provides real-time information to optimize implant positioning and alignment. The robotic-assisted surgery system provides measurements and visualization of your unique anatomy, enabling the surgeon to adjust and customize the plan as needed.
It's important to understand that the surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon, who guides the robotic arm during the surgery to position the implant in the knee joint. The robotic arm does not perform surgery, make decisions on its own or move without the surgeon guiding it.
Because robotic-assisted joint surgery is less invasive, patients have the potential to experience reduced pain, regain motion sooner and return to their daily activities quicker. Other potential benefits include:
What is ankle replacement surgery?
Ankle replacement surgery is the replacement of a damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant. The ankle joint (tibiotalar joint) is where your shinbone (tibia) rests on top of a bone of your foot, the talus. Arthritis can affect this joint as well as other joints in the foot. Over time, the smooth cartilage on the surface of the bones wears away. This can result in pain, inflammation and swelling of your joint.
Ankle replacement surgery is a procedure to replace this damaged joint to eliminate this pain and swelling. Typically, the procedure takes place under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision in your ankle to access the affected joint. Next, your surgeon will remove the damaged parts of your tibia and talus bones. Your surgeon will attach artificial metal joints to the remaining bone surfaces, with a piece of plastic inserted between them.
Why might I need ankle replacement surgery?
Ankle replacement surgery may make sense for you if you have severe arthritis in your ankle. This can cause symptoms like severe pain, inflammation, and stiffness, which can lead to difficulty walking. The main types of ankle arthritis are:
If you have mild or moderate arthritis, your healthcare provider will probably recommend other treatments, like pain medicines, special shoe and foot inserts, physical therapy or corticosteroid injections. If you still have severe symptoms that interfere with your daily activities, your healthcare provider may recommend ankle replacement or another surgical procedure.
If your arthritis is not yet severe, arthroscopic debridement might be a better choice. Ankle fusion is another choice for people with severe arthritis of their ankle. Each of these choices has its own risks and benefits. Talk to your healthcare provider about all of your treatment and surgical choices.
Learn MoreWhat is flat foot reconstruction surgery?
Flat foot reconstruction surgery is carried out to relieve pain and restore function in people whose foot arches are very low and where orthotics have not helped. Problems may be caused by a deformity, damage to the tendon that supports the arch or arthritis in the joints around the heel.
What does it involve?
The procedure is usually done under a general anesthetic with an injection in the foot to numb it and reduce pain after the operation. In most cases you will stay overnight in the hospital. During surgery, three incisions (cuts) are made in the foot and the painful, damaged tendon on the instep is removed and replaced with another tendon (the flexor digorum longus tendon or FDL). This is known as tibialis posterior tendon reconstruction. A procedure known as calcaneal osteotomy is usually carried out at the same time; this involves making a cut in the heel bone so that it can be repositioned and fixed with a metal screw. Repositioning the heel bone helps improve support to the foot arch. The surgeon may also place a metal plate at the top of the foot to increase the arch. You will be able to discuss these procedures with your specialist beforehand.
Orthopedics is a medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating injuries, diseases and disorders affecting bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. Collectively, these parts of the body are also known as the musculoskeletal system.
Choosing an orthopedic surgeon is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Regardless of other factors, we recommend selecting someone with whom you feel comfortable communicating. A good surgeon will take the time to answer your questions and explain possible treatment options in a way that you can understand.
Request an Appointment Watch On-Demand SeminarMinimally invasive joint replacement surgery is an orthopedic procedure used to treat pain, stiffness and disability caused by various joint-related problems. The benefits of minimally invasive joint replacement surgery include a shorter recovery time, less pain, less risk of infection and reduced scarring than traditional, open surgery.
Request an Appointment Watch On-Demand Seminar Learn More About Minimally Invasive Hip SurgerySurgery is often a treatment for joint pain, but it is not the only option, nor the first option usually recommended. Other therapies may provide relief depending on the cause and severity of your joint pain. Conservative, non-surgical treatments include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections and lifestyle changes that may be sufficient to address your joint pain. However, if these treatments are ineffective, surgery may be the best course to reduce pain and improve joint function.
Request an Appointment Watch On-Demand SeminarA healthy weight is often recommended before surgery. Studies indicate that patients with a BMI of 30 or higher are almost twice as likely to experience joint replacement complications than those with BMIs under 30. However, weight is not the only factor determining if someone is a good candidate for joint replacement surgery. Other factors such as age, activity level, lifestyle and the patient's overall health are considered by the orthopedic surgeon.
Request an Appointment Watch On-Demand SeminarOut-of-pocket costs vary from patient to patient for many complex reasons, including the services provided and differences in insurance coverage and plans. Please contact us before scheduling surgery to obtain the most accurate cost estimate, information about our financial assistance programs and a better understanding of your insurance coverage. We also offer an online price estimator.
Request an Appointment Watch On-Demand SeminarThough length of time needed can differ by procedure, many joint surgeries generally take one to three hours. Hospital stays vary depending on the patient, but returning home on the day of your surgery is possible for patients who are healthy enough. Your care team will advise you about how best to prepare for your surgery and if your case requires you to stay overnight for treatment and observation.
Request an Appointment Watch On-Demand SeminarAfter surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room. Your orthopedic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions for post-surgery care, including taking pain medications, participating in physical therapy, using assistive devices such as crutches or a walker and avoiding activities that can stress the affected joint.
Studies show most people return to sedentary jobs six to eight weeks after surgery. For more strenuous jobs, people often return in eight to 12 weeks. Your post-surgical care depends upon the procedure, and your care team will advise you on specific activities to avoid. This can include sleep and sitting positions, particular movements and high-impact sports.
Request an Appointment Watch On-Demand SeminarWhile most surgery patients experience little-to-no complications, any surgery has risks of infection, blood clotting or nerve damage. Let your surgeon know if you fall into risk categories due to smoking, heart issues or allergies.
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