Hip or knee replacement is considered a viable option when conservative treatment options are no longer managing the pain that comes from an arthritic joint and/or when day-to-day function has diminished significantly enough to consider a major surgery.
Goal for this surgery are:
Direct anterior approach hip replacement surgery enters the hip from the front of the joint rather than the side or back part of the joint. This allows the hip implant to be placed without detaching the muscle from the hip or thigh bone, potentially causing less tissue disruption, reduced pain, and faster recovery.
Though this approach can be used successfully for many people, it is not appropriate for all. Dr. Johnson will discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure, and if it is not appropriate for you, assist you with a referral to a surgeon who performs more traditional joint replacement. This approach is not used for revision surgery, only primary joint replacement.
The MAKO® robot is an additional tool to assist Dr. Johnson in performing the knee replacement surgery using enhanced precision. Data from a pre-operative CT-scan is entered into the MAKO® “brain” to personal pre-surgical planning based on your unique anatomy. The robotic-arm, with interpretation and direction from Dr. Johnson, uses this information to prepare the bone for precision placement of the implanted parts.
This technique can be used for partial or total knee replacement. In some cases, a more traditional procedure is recommended. It cannot be used for revision surgery at this time. Dr. Johnson reviews the risks and benefits of either procedure with you before the surgery is scheduled.
A meniscus tear is a tear in the cartilage pad between the two bones that make up the knee joint. It can be caused by an injury to the knee or as a result of the degenerative changes that come from arthritic changes, similar to a worn tire or brake pads or a hangnail.
Arthroscopic surgery can be used to remove the torn segment or smooth frayed edges of cartilage, but it cannot replace that cartilage or its function. It is appropriately used to reduce the mechanical symptoms of catching, clicking or locking that are associated with the tear, but will not provide a “cure” for arthritic changes. It is important to understand the goals for this procedure.
