Joint Replacement
When knee or hip pain persists and non-operative treatment options are no longer effective, a total joint replacement may be a good option for you.
At WakeMed, our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic specialists help you regain mobility quickly so you can continue to enjoy life to the fullest.
We use the latest technology and advanced techniques to offer minimally invasive surgical options when possible, and work with you to provide personalized recovery plans with reduced pain and minimal downtime.
What is Total Joint Replacement?
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure to treat an arthritic or degenerated joint. In surgery, the damaged portion of the joint is removed (or resurfaced) and replaced with an implant, most commonly made of metal, plastic or ceramic. The prosthesis is designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint, without the pain once experienced.
Although the hip and knee are the most commonly replaced joints, replacement surgery can also be performed on shoulders, ankles, wrists and elbows.
Do You Need Joint Replacement?
Most people who have joint replacement surgery suffer from chronic joint pain due to degeneration of the joint from various causes like wear and tear (osteoarthritis), trauma or inflammatory diseases. These conditions cause the cartilage (the smooth shock absorbing part of the bone) to degrade and allow for bone to rub on bone, which results in pain, swelling and inflammation. This is often made worse by activity and eventually will interfere with one’s daily life and sleep.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our joint specialists to discuss your treatment options.
- Joint pain during activity
- Delayed joint pain after activity
- Pain that interrupts sleep
- Stiffness in your joint that makes it difficult to sit for long periods of time
- Inflammation and swelling in your joint
Why Choose Us
If joint replacement is right for you, our dedicated team of surgeons, advanced practitioners, nurses and support staff will make sure you receive the highest level of care at WakeMed. Our commitment to excellence is regularly recognized by the community as well as local and national organizations.
- WakeMed Raleigh Campus and WakeMed Cary Hospital are designated BCBS Blue Distinction Centers+ for knee and hip surgery
- WakeMed Raleigh Campus is recognized as an Aetna Institute of Quality total joint replacement
- Leapfrog Hospital Safety Rating of “A” for WakeMed Raleigh Campus, WakeMed Cary Hospital and WakeMed North Hospital
- Award winning surgeons including Raleigh’s Best, PRC 5-star physicians, and NC Top Docs.
Beyond our awards and recognitions, we keep patient safety a priority in everything we do. To ensure optimal outcomes and a safe recovery after joint replacement surgery, we follow our standardized total joint pathways that are continuously reviewed. We evaluate and optimize potential risk factors including diabetes control, smoking status, anemia, nutrition and BMI. We are also careful to consider the patient as a whole, which includes mental health and social wellbeing. Both of these can have a significant impact on one’s recovery and is often times overlooked. We have resources available to provide help and support prior to surgery.
Perioperative Surgical Home
At WakeMed, we have instituted a robust perioperative surgical home to help patients navigate their joint replacement journey safely and efficiently. This is a comprehensive program that will guide patients throughout all the phases of care, including preoperative optimization and Pre Anesthesia Testing (PAT), education and discharge planning. We also employ Enhanced Recovery After Anesthesia (ERAS) protocols to ensure a rapid recovery and minimize side effects from anesthesia. Additionally, we provide total joint patient and family education classes prior to surgery to help patients better prepare for their recovery. Completing patient education classes and PAT visits are required to proceed with surgery. All of this is set up to provide an excellent patient experience and ensure optimal outcomes.
We Guide You From Preparation to Recovery
At WakeMed, we make sure you know exactly what you can expect as you prepare for joint surgery. We help you learn how to prepare and understand expected recovery timelines, postoperative care instructions and an overview of pain management strategies. A patient education surgery and recovery guide for hip replacement or knee replacement is provided to each patient as part of the education preparation with the PAT visit.
WakeMed Rehab offers numerous outpatient rehab & physical therapy locations throughout Wake and Johnston counties to support your recovery and get you back to your active lifestyle. To schedule an appointment and find a location near you, call 919-350-7422.
Should you need physical therapy to come to you, WakeMed offers Home Health services. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 919-350-7990.
Browse our patient resources and videos below to learn more.
Anterior Hip Replacement
Mindfulness: Managing Pain & Recovery After Surgery
Total Hip Replacement:
Procedure & Recovery
Total Knee Replacement:
Procedure & Recovery