In 2007, Saint Anthony's Health Center performed over 1,000 orthopedic surgeries, with the majority focused on knee or hip replacements, as well as arthroscopic procedures. Additional orthopedic surgeries included shoulder, laminectomy and cervical procedures. The staff in the Joint Replacement Center is working to provide the best, minimally invasive surgeries for its patients to insure a quick recovery time.(1).JPG "Joint")
Total knee implants replace cartilage and bone that has worn away over the years. Knee replacement can minimize or relieve pain and help get a person back to enjoying their normal, everyday life. When everyday activities such as walking, going down stairs or getting in and out of a chair becomes too painful to tolerate, a knee surgery may be needed. Other reasons to consider knee surgery is moderate or severe knee pain while resting, either day or night, swelling of the knee that does not improve with rest, bowing in or out of the knee or the inability to bend and straighten the knee.
Like knee replacements, hip replacements allow people to maintain their normal life while lessening or eliminating hip pain. Hip replacement surgery may be considered when arthritis limits your everyday activities such as walking and bending, when pain continues while resting, or stiffness in your hip limits your ability to move or lift your leg.
“We are keeping current with the newest technology in minimally invasive joint replacement,” said Cindy Drainer, OR Director. “The less invasive the surgery, the less recovery time and discomfort there is for each patient.”
The latest technology includes the use of the Jackson Spinal Surgery and Imaging Table. The table allows for the orthopedic surgeons to use x-rays during surgery for exact positioning. Also being used is the Lecia F40 microscope.
Saint Anthony's Joint Replacement Center has specially trained nurses and therapists who work with each physician to provide comprehensive care and service for patients undergoing procedures. Because it is a goal of the Joint Replacement Center to have each patient back to their normal, everyday life, the Center provides education, information and therapy to help in the recovery process.
For more information on the Joint Replacement Center, please call 618/474-6283.