Joint replacement

Your joints work hard for you every day. When you have joint pain and other treatments don’t bring relief, joint replacement (arthroplasty) can ease the pain and get you moving again.

With locations across the Twin Cities, Allina Health Orthopedics brings advanced surgical treatments and expertise close to home. In fact, Abbott Northwestern, Mercy and United Hospitals were recognized as Healthgrades Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery and Joint Replacement in 2021 and 2022.

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What is joint replacement surgery?

Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is an orthopedic procedure that replaces a damaged joint with an artificial one made of metal, plastic or ceramic. We offer partial and total joint replacements for many orthopedic conditions. Your health care team will help decide if you should have open or minimally invasive arthroplasty.

Types of joint replacement surgery include:

Robotic surgery. This minimally invasive technique can get you back to what you love faster, with smaller incisions and less scarring.
Knee replacement
Hip replacement
Shoulder replacement
Elbow surgery (ulnar replacement)
Hand and wrist joint replacement
Ankle replacement

Benefits of joint replacement surgery

Joint replacements have improved over time, and technology continues to evolve. Our advanced surgical techniques and technology minimize pain, restore movement, and lower infection risk. Many people can safely go home on the same day as their joint replacement surgery and recover in the comfort of home.

Expert care from an experienced team

Your highly experienced care team will work together to guide you through joint replacement and recovery. We perform more than 2,000 joint replacement surgeries per year, and each member of your care team has advanced training in joint replacement surgery.

Our experts 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.

Your care team may include:

A board-certified orthopedic surgeon. They decide if arthroplasty is right for you and determine which procedure is best for your needs and diagnosis. They’ll walk you through the surgery so you know what to expect.
A nurse navigator. They guide your care and help ensure the best possible outcome. Our nurse navigators will prepare you for surgery, create a personalized recovery plan that’s best for you and support your recovery. They're available 24/7 to quickly answer your questions. Nurse navigators aren’t currently available at all Allina Health locations.
Physician assistants (PA). They work closely with your orthopedic surgeon before, during and after your joint replacement procedure. Our physician assistants can diagnose joint conditions, prescribe medications and support your recovery.
A physical therapist or athletic trainer. They can help you build strength in the muscles around your joint weeks before surgery, which can speed up recovery. After your surgery, they can help manage pain and improve mobility as you adapt to the new joint.

Before joint replacement surgery

Attend a pre-surgery education class. The class has helped many people have a smoother recovery and better outcomes. You may have the option to attend a class in person or watch a video as you learn about preparing for joint replacement surgery.
Build strength. Start low-impact strengthening and conditioning exercises recommended by your health care provider.
Prepare for recovery. Most of your recovery will happen at home. Remove any tripping hazards and create a comfortable area to heal.
Ask for help. You'll need a ride to and from the surgery and can’t drive for a few weeks after the procedure. Ask for help with your errands and daily routine.
Know your safety comes first. Some people feel anxious before surgery, and that’s normal. Our experts will share what you can expect during surgery and answer any questions you may have. Learn more: Fears about orthopedic surgery and the facts behind them

After joint replacement surgery

After your surgery, we’ll continue to support your health needs and prioritize your safety as you leave the hospital and recover from home.

Recovery. Your recovery time may vary depending on the type of joint surgery and other factors related to your health situation. For most people, recovering from a joint replacement means recovering at home and seeing a physical therapist. For others, it may mean spending some time at a rehabilitation facility.
Mobility. Most people can put some weight on their new joint the day after surgery and can even begin light exercise.
Pain. You’ll have some pain, discomfort and stiffness after surgery. You may feel numbness around your incision, which improves over time.
Activity. Most people can return to their daily routine and low-impact activities within one month after surgery.

Health insurance coverage and costs

Contact your health insurance provider about medical coverage and get a price estimate before scheduling joint replacement surgery.

We’ll help you find the best payment and insurance options to fit your needs. You’ll pay any deductible amounts and charges your policy doesn’t cover.