Most artificial hip and knee joints will last for 10 to 20 years or longer. Longevity of the artificial joint varies from patient to patient depending on many factors, including patient’s physical condition, activity level and weight. Over time, the components may wear down and loosen and may need to be replaced.

The orthopedic surgeons at Atrius Health provide treatment for a wide variety of diseases and conditions, including -
- Fractures and Dislocations
- Torn Ligaments, Sprains, and Strains
- Tendon Injuries, Pulled Muscles, and Bursitis
- Ruptured Disks, Sciatica, Low Back Pain, And Scoliosis
- Arthritis and Osteoporosis
- Knock Knees, Bow Legs, Bunions, and Hammer Toes
- Bone Tumors, Muscular Dystrophy and Cerebral Palsy
- Club Foot and Unequal Leg Length
- Abnormalities of the Fingers and Toes and Other Growth Abnormalities

No, our orthopedic surgeons are skilled at using both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Many musculoskeletal conditions can be treated without surgery by using medication, physical and occupational therapy, or other alternative therapies.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that utilizes a fibre optic camera, called an “arthroscope,” to allow a surgeon to view an affected joint without requiring a large incision. When compared to traditional surgery, this minimally-invasive surgical procedure using a small incision provides several potential benefits: reduced tissue damage, blood loss, and scarring. Likewise, the less invasive surgery often leads to a shorter recovery period.

Getting full range of motion, strength, and flexibility back after surgery usually takes time. That is where pre-operative exercise, education, and post-operative physical therapy programs come in – to ensure you are physically and emotionally prepared for surgery and to maximize your recovery after surgery.

As with any surgery, risks include reactions to Anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, stiffness and nerve damage. Your doctor will discuss the risks associated with your specific procedure.

Some complications of not undergoing an orthopedic surgery for your condition include pain, loss of joint motion, joint weakness, numbness and an early onset of arthritis.

The most common orthopedic injuries are sprains and strains, fractures, and dislocations. Injuries can occur when playing indoor or outdoor sports or while exercising. Sports injuries can result from accidents, inadequate training, improper use of protective devices, or insufficient stretching or warm-up exercises.

Diagnosing injuries and disease begins with a thorough medical history, physical examination, and usually X-rays. Additional tests such as an MRI, or CT scan also may be needed. Through the arthroscope, a final diagnosis is made which may be more accurate than through "open" surgery or from X-ray studies

Although the inside of nearly all joints can be viewed with an arthroscope, six joints are most frequently examined with this instrument. These include the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip, and wrist. As engineers make advances in electronic technology and orthopaedic surgeons develop new techniques, other joints may be treated more frequently in the future.

The primary goals of joint replacement surgery are to restore mobility and to relieve pain. Good evidence-based medicine data reveals that a typical total hip or knee replacement lasts at least 20 years in about 80 percent of patients, which lets patients enjoy their favourite activities without pain. Joint replacement care at Sibley is a truly comprehensive experience; it encompasses the entire process from evaluation through rehabilitation. Care at Sibley includes diagnostic imaging, patient education, surgery and both inpatient and outpatient physical therapy. Sibley also has a skilled nursing facility, The Renaissance, for inpatient rehabilitation, which can be used to assure that any post surgery issues are completely addressed.

Probably, though it depends upon a number of factors that require coordination with your surgeon. Most patients are able to resume athletic activity at a recreational level, enjoying the benefits of exercise and recreation without pain or limitations.

Even though it would seem like it ought to, there is no good evidence that running will actually cause arthritis. However, if you have arthritis, running and impact activities in general are very likely to aggravate the symptoms of pain, swelling and limitation of motion in your hips, knees or ankles. Therefore, if that is the case it is recommended that you consider less impact exercise such as swimming, biking, elliptical machines or XC ski machines for your cardiovascular exercises.

Doctors place patients in a sling after surgery to protect the patient and the repaired tissues. If a patient takes off the sling for any amount of time, they are putting themselves at risk of damaging the repaired tissues and essentially undoing the work of the surgeon. Patients should wear their sling at night time especially because people move during their slumber without knowing that they are moving.