Joint replacement
Your joints work hard for you every day. They twist, bend, rotate and flex—helping you walk, run, turn, lift and so much more. In the process, they undergo enormous pressure and strain. Sometimes, whether through injury or wear and tear, a joint can no longer be repaired.
When other treatments aren’t enough to bring relief, a partial or total joint replacement might be the best way to eliminate pain and get you moving again. From nurses and medical technologists to surgeons and physical therapists, the Allina Health Orthopedics care team works together to guide you through joint replacement and recovery.
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What it is
A joint replacement involves removing damaged or diseased parts of the joint and replacing them with prosthetic components, often made of metal, ceramic or special plastics.
What to expect
In some cases, joint replacements can be done on an outpatient basis, so you don’t need to stay overnight in a hospital.
Recovery times vary, but most patients can begin to bear weight with their new joint on the first day after surgery and can even begin light exercise. Very old people or those with other health problems may need to spend a week or more at a rehabilitation facility. But for the majority of patients, recovering from a joint replacement means recuperating at home and scheduling sessions with a physical therapist.
At Allina Health Orthopedics, your care team will guide you through each step of your joint replacement, from pre-surgery preparation to resuming your favorite activities—while always caring for the whole you.
Good for treating
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- joint injury
- conditions that cause unusual bone growth
- blood supply problems that cause bone loss
Related links
Reviewed by: Anthony (Tony) Anderson, MD, orthopedic surgeon
First published: 11/5/2020
Last reviewed: 11/5/2020