Orthopedic total joint replacement

man with black jacket, shirt, and hat is smiling into the camera, with a golf club in his hand

Keeping you moving

We take pride in our long history of excellence in joint replacement surgery, and our overall patient satisfaction scores, as compared to other hospitals around the country, have consistently ranked in the top percentile.

Joint replacement is considered a major surgery. It has also proved to be a very successful surgery. As many as 95 percent of joint replacement patients report high or very high satisfaction rates when considering pain relief, improved mobility, and enhanced quality of life. Candidates for joint replacement surgery have severe joint pain, stiffness, swelling, muscle weakness and limited range of motion. Surgery, however, is the last line of treatment, reserved for when all other options, including physical therapy and medications, have failed.

Orthopedic surgeon Bryan Kamps, MD, talks about the rewards of helping people overcome joint pain with surgery. He also describes the many advantages of seeking treatment from a comprehensive program, like the Spectrum Health Center for Joint Replacement, which supports patients throughout the entire joint replacement surgery process.

A journey with total joint replacement

Symptoms

Natasha's painful knee problems began more than 10 years ago. An unsuccessful surgery in 2009 made things worse. It got to the point where she hesitated to babysit her granddaughters.

A patient, Natasha, tries to do her daily activities with arthritis
white hands are on Black knees with surgery scars, assessing knee problems

Diagnosis

"She had a very bad problem," orthopedic surgeon Hassan Alosh, MD, said of Natasha. "She was pretty disabled and not able to walk that well, even with a walker."

Treatment

Natasha Hudnell visits her physical therapists twice a week as she recovers from left knee replacement surgery. Her right knee was replaced seven months earlier.

A patient, Natasha, receives therapy for her arthritis
A smiling mother and pre-teen child hug

Recovery

Natasha's son, Zoc'Kese, helps her a lot. "He's taking care of me," she said. "But I don't want him to always need to take care of me. I don't want to be the mom on the sidelines."

Frequently asked questions

What is total joint replacement?
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Is joint replacement surgery safe?
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What are the major risks of joint replacement surgery?
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How long do replacement joints last?
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Who is a good candidate for joint replacement?
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Should I start or stop any medications?
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What are my options for anesthesia?
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How long will the surgery take?
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Will I be in pain after surgery?
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How long will I be in the hospital?
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Will I get to go home after I leave the hospital?
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Will I need help around the house after my surgery?
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How often will I need to see my surgeon?
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When can I resume my normal daily activities?
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