What is knee and hip replacement?
It is a metal and plastic covering for raw, arthritic bone ends. It replaces cartilage that has worn away over the years. Replacement can eliminate pain and allow you to move easily and without pain. For many people who have knee arthritis, it also straightens the leg.
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Who should have a knee or hip replacement?
When arthritis knee or hip pain severely limits your ability to walk, work or perform even simple activities, knee or hip replacement should be considered.
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Is there an alternative to replacement?
Knee or hip replacement is only recommended after careful diagnosis of your joint problem. Arthroscopic or microscopic surgery is not helpful once arthritis is advanced.
Also, it is not likely that anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone injections will give you the same long-term relief as either knee or hip replacement.
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Should my knee or hip be cemented?
Cement has been used for both knee and hip replacement for over 15 years with generally excellent results and predictable durability. Surgeons at The Florida Knee and Orthopedic Centers consider a cemented implant more reliable for long-lasting pain relief.
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How long is the hospital stay?
The average hospital stay for either knee or hip replacement is 3 days.
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How long is recuperation?
Recovery varies with each person. You will use a walker for four weeks after the operation. You can drive a car in 2-4 weeks. Most people gradually increase their activities and can slow dance in 6-8 weeks, and play golf, doubles tennis, shuffleboard, or bowl in 12 weeks. More active sports, such as singles tennis and jogging, are not recommended. After discharge, there is usually no need for a nursing home or live-in companion. Some patients who live alone like the convenience of staying at a rehab center for a few days after they leave the hospital. Keep in mind that healing and recovery times vary with each person.
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Will I need blood?
The risk of transmissible disease, such as AIDS or hepatitis, is almost non-existent. The health care industry has moved away from recommending blood be “pre-deposited” before surgery.
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What is the success rate?
Both knee and hip replacement are recognized as miracles of modern surgery. Most orthopedic experts consider replacement to be the best method of handling advanced arthritis in the knee or hip. Joint replacements have literally put hundreds of thousands of disabled Americans back on their feet and allowed them to enjoy their golden years.
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Are there complications?
As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications but complications after knee or hip replacement are rare … driving on an Interstate highway is probably more dangerous. To fight infection, we use ultraviolet light in the operating room and the most powerful antibiotics known to control the environment. Our personnel are limited to fully trained and experienced nurses and technicians.
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What about pain?
Thanks to advances in medication technology, we are able to keep you very comfortable after surgery. Best of all, you won’t have the groggy, ‘not-in-control’ feeling associated with narcotics. Any temporary discomfort does not compare to the pain of arthritis endured by most people in the months before surgery. And because knee replacement or hip replacement is “no big deal”, you will wear casual clothing, not hospital gowns, while you are in the hospital. You’ll also visit The Florida Room just down the hall from your own room where you will join other knee or hip replacement patients for buffet lunches, television, cards and games.
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What is the cost?
As Medicare participating physicians, the doctors at The Florida Knee and Orthopedic Centers accept the amount Medicare approves for knee or hip replacement. The Center will file your Medicare and will also bill your supplementary insurance for the 20% portion of the surgeon’s fee that is approved by Medicare but paid by your supplementary insurance. The Center participates in most managed health plans.
If you must have an authorization to be treated by a specialist, it is not likely you can be referred to a specialist outside of the network of doctors within a geographic area specified by your insurance company.
If you are covered by Medicare, and not a Medicare replacement plan, you re not limited to seeing doctors within a specific geographic area. The hospital also accepts Medicare assignment.
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Can I talk to someone who has had knee or hip replacement?
Yes! We’ll gladly give you the names and telephone numbers of some of our patients who have new knees or new hips. They have volunteered to talk on the phone with people who are considering surgery and are happy to share their experiences with you.
Just click on the “Testimonials” button at the top of your screen, or call any of our offices and ask for our “Testimonials” lists for either knee or hip replacement.
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