22 Aug When Is The Best Time to Consider Joint Replacement?

_{Originally published in YOURWilliamson} –

Whether you are young and active or simply feeling the natural impacts of aging, if joint pain has started to affect your ability to enjoy everyday life, it may be time to consider joint replacement. The highly trained specialists at Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee stand ready to help you live pain-free once again. To determine your needs, here are a few questions to ask.

I’m in pain. What should I do first?

The path to a pain-free future begins with a consultation. “Whether you’re unable to complete a round of golf, play with your kids or grandkids, go for a long walk, or any other activity because your pain now dominates your decision-making, it’s time to discuss your options,” said Brian Perkinson, M.D., hip and knee specialist at Bone and Joint Institute. “Depending on your situation, our team might recommend surgical or non-surgical solutions such as weight loss, icing, rest or injection therapy.”

Is joint replacement surgery needed?

If non-surgical methods to provide relief don’t work, patients may be evaluated for a joint replacement procedure. The procedure itself, often completed using state-of-the-art robotic technology, allows patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes soon after surgery.

“The robotic technology we use greatly benefits our patients,” said Dr. Perkinson. “It provides more accurate positioning and balancing of the joint replacement, and also allows less soft tissue dissection. All of those benefits provide an earlier functional recovery and more success in the long run.”

Are there any options that are less invasive that will get me back on my feet faster?

Robotics are just one of many ways Bone and Joint Institute remains at the forefront of medical advancements, with other innovative options such as partial knee replacements and anterior approaches to hip replacements available for discussion with physicians.

“Up to 30% of patients may be a candidate for a partial knee replacement, which lends itself to faster recover and better range of motion,” Dr. Perkinson said. “Similarly, approaching a hip replacement anteriorly is much less invasive and does not require muscles to be cut. These are unique surgeries that require specific training, and both options available to Bone and Joint Institute patients who qualify.”

According to Cory Calendine, M.D., a hip and knee specialist at Bone and Joint Institute, some patients may even be good candidates for outpatient joint replacement surgeries, which not only allow patients to recover at home the same day as surgery, but it also promotes faster healing and less pain overall.

“Advancements in technique and technology allow us to cater to the patient,” Dr. Calendine said. “Younger patients with no major heart or lung problems and good support at home would be ideal candidates for outpatient joint replacement.”

Will I regret this?

Dr. Calendine says the most common complaint from hip or knee replacement patients is, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” While recovery varies from patient to patient, many can expect to use the assistance of a walker or cane for about only a week after surgery and be back to the pain-free life they desire within four to six weeks.

“I meet people in their time of need, not when they are living their best life,” Dr. Calendine said. “It’s a privilege to help patients get back to the life they want to live.”

Bone and Joint Institute wants to help you live pain-free. Situated just off interstate 65 in Franklin, Bone and Joint Institute offers state-of-the-art technology and a superior patient experience close to home. For more information or to schedule a consultation with a Bone and Joint Institute physician, visit BoneandJointTN.org.