Hip and Knee Joint Replacement
It can be painful and potentially disabling when you injure a joint or bone. But you can trust our Orthopedics team for specialized care and the latest proven knee or hip pain treatment and management options in the New Orleans area. We can ease your pain, help you heal properly and take steps to keep your injury or condition from limiting your function, mobility or future.
Our highly-skilled team includes surgeons, nurses, rehabilitation specialists and other specially trained and experienced professionals. We are committed to the prevention, assessment, treatment and management of injuries or disorders of the bones and joints. Together, we’ll create a care plan just for you, drawing from the technology and resources of the Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine. Our goal is simple – to help you heal and recover as quickly, safely and completely as possible.
Support before, during and after treatment
Our team will make sure you have the information, support and resources you need to make decisions about your treatment and get the best results from your care. If you desire, we’ll also talk to family members or loved ones about how they can care for you and help support your recovery.
For example, if you need joint replacement surgery, your care begins before you enter the hospital. Through our joint care program, you’ll have access to:
- A pre-surgery class with information about the procedure, precautions, hospital stay, discharge processes and the care you’ll need after you go home. You can bring your “coach” or caregiver, and enjoy a light meal.
- Specialized rehabilitation services and education while you’re in the hospital.
- Convenient and compassionate outpatient rehab to help you regain function after your surgery.
What happens during knee replacement surgery?
The knee is one of the most complicated joints in the body, consisting of the kneecap (patella), the upper bone (femur) and lower bone (tibia). All of these are all bound together with ligaments, tendons and muscles. Cartilage provides a cushion between the bones and enables them to move smoothly.
There are many possible causes of knee pain, ranging from knee osteoarthritis, injury or over usage catching up with you as you age. Whatever the reason for knee pain, our orthopedic doctors and specialists can help you get back to doing the things you love.
Total knee replacement surgery involves replacing the knee with an artificial joint made up of three parts:
- A metal part covering the femur surface (femoral component)
- A plastic and metal part covering the tibia surface (tibial component)
- A plastic part that resurfaces the kneecap (patella button)
When in place, these reconstruct the knee into a functional hinge joint. After a successful operation, the knee is progressively less painful and has good motion.
What happens during hip replacement surgery?
Total hip replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged hip with an artificial joint. Your femur is rounded at the top and fits into the cup part of the pelvic bone, making a ball and socket joint. When you have total hip surgery, a metal ball with a stem is put in place at the top of your femur, and a plastic-like cup is inserted into the damaged cup of your pelvic bone (called the acetabulum).
When in place, these reconstruct the hip into a functional ball and socket joint. Following this operation, the hip is progressively less painful and has good motion.
Whatever your condition or needs, we’ll be here for you every step of the way, from diagnosis and evaluation through recovery and rehabilitation. Your comfort, function and long-term wellbeing are our priorities.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call the Orthopedic Clinic at 504.988.2177.