Joint Replacement
When knee or hip pain issues persist and non-operative treatment options aren’t working, a total joint replacement may be a good option for you.
At WakeMed, our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic joint specialists help you regain mobility quickly and 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, reduced pain and minimal downtime.
What is Total Joint Replacement?
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic or ceramic device called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint.
Hip and knee replacement are the most common joint replacement surgeries, but replacement surgery can also be performed on ankles, wrists, shoulders and elbows.
Do You Need Joint Replacement?
Most people who have joint replacement surgery suffer from osteoarthritis, a condition where the cartilage (the smooth shock absorbing part of the joint) wears way, allowing bone to rub on bone. This results in chronic inflammation, pain and stiffness of the joint which is made worse by activity.
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, rest assured you’re in highly skilled hands. Not only do we provide our patients with the highest level of care, but WakeMed’s dedicated joint replacement program has been recognized in several ways:
- Our program holds the orthopaedic certification from the Joint Commission
- 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
Beyond our awards and recognition, 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. We evaluate many potential risk factors including diabetes control, smoking status and BMI and will refer patients to the appropriate specialist(s) prior to surgery to address any modifiable risk factors.
Additionally, we provide total joint education classes to help patients prepare for their recovery after surgery. These pathways help us minimize surgical complications, optimize patient outcomes and improve the patient experience.
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.
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