Arthroplasty

Arthroplasty is joint replacement surgery that is performed to restore joint function using a bone resurfacing technique or with an artificial joint. Various types of arthritis may affect the joints, with osteoarthritis being the primary reason for arthroplasty.

At Kimball Health Services, we provide skilled arthroplasty surgery backed by cutting-edge expertise and a commitment to restoring mobility and enhancing your quality of life. Our team of Dr. Jeffery MacMillan and Karen Wenner, APRN, DNP, will help you throughout the surgical process.

Arthroplasty, more commonly called joint replacement surgery, is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased joint with an artificial implant to restore function and reduce pain. It can replace all or some parts of a damaged joint. 

The damaged parts of your joint are replaced with an artificial joint (a prosthesis) made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.

Dr. MacMillan may suggest either of two types of joint replacement:

• Total joint replacement (total arthroplasty): During a total arthroplasty, all the parts of your joint are replaced with a prosthetic joint.
• Partial joint replacement (partial arthroplasty): In a partial joint replacement, some parts of your joint are replaced with implants. It is also known as joint resurfacing.

Dr. MacMillan utilizes MicroPort Orthopedic products for joint replacement surgeries.

Some of the conditions for which Dr. MacMillan may recommend arthroplasty include:

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis refers to a condition involving the breakdown of cartilage and bone within your joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis causes chronic inflammation of your joints, leading to pain, swelling, and eventually joint deformity and loss of function.
• Post-traumatic arthritis: This type of arthritis develops following a traumatic injury to a joint, including a fracture or dislocation, which can lead to cartilage damage and joint degeneration.
• Sports injuries: Your body may experience injury during sports, exercise, or athletic activities, leading to joint injuries. Common sports injuries to the joint include tennis elbow, jumper’s knee, and rotator cuff tears.

The following symptoms may indicate damage or injuries to your joint:

• Joint pain
• Limited mobility 
• Stiffness or decreased range of motion 
• Swelling
• Instability

Before scheduling an arthroplasty, Dr. MacMillan and his surgical team may perform a physical examination to make sure you are ready for surgery. They may order blood tests, electrocardiogram (EKG), and imaging tests, including an X-ray, MRI scan, or CT scan. They also will inquire about your medical history and any medications you are taking. 

Before deciding on an arthroplasty, Dr. MacMillan may recommend more conservative treatment options, such as anti-inflammatory medicines, assistive devices, cortisone injections, or physical therapy. At Kimball Health Services, we recommend the surgical procedure when non-surgical procedures do not help alleviate your symptoms.

Consider the following tips to help your recovery from an arthroplasty:

• Discuss with Dr. MacMillan all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. 
• Meet your physical therapist before your surgery to talk about pre-operative exercises and post-operative rehabilitation.
• Create a safe and comfortable recovery environment at home by installing handrails or grab bars, rearranging furniture for ease of movement, and obtaining assistive devices.
• Arrange for friends, family members, or caregivers to help around the house for 1 or 2 weeks after the surgery.
• Arrange a ride for your visits for surgery and follow-up appointments.

Arthroplasty is an outpatient procedure that often involves an overnight hospital stay. Depending on your condition, the exact surgical procedure may vary. Please note that you may be asked not to eat for about 8 hours before the surgery, generally after midnight. 

Before the procedure, you may receive general or local anesthesia to help you relax. Arthroplasty usually lasts 2 to 3 hours. During the procedure, Dr. MacMillan will remove damaged cartilage and bone and then insert the prosthetic joint. 

Other prosthetic parts, like spacers, may be inserted to mimic cartilage and replicate the natural tissue. Dr. MacMillan may also reshape the bones surrounding the joint to accommodate the new prosthetic. Our team undertakes a comprehensive approach to recreating the joint's structure and function.

Once the implants are in place, Dr. MacMillan closes the incision with stitches or surgical staples and then applies a sterile bandage or dressing.

After the surgery, you will be shifted to the recovery room for observation. Once our team ensures that your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and the effects of the anesthesia have worn off, you may be discharged.

The duration of recovery following arthroplasty depends on factors such as the specific joint affected, the extent of the procedure (total or partial arthroplasty), your age, and existing health conditions. 

Dr. MacMillan will devise a personalized recovery plan tailored to your individual circumstances. However, you may follow these general guidelines during the recovery process:

• Follow guidelines regarding dressing changes and bathing.
• Keep your incision site clean and covered to prevent infections.
• Do home exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint and prevent stiffness.
• Work with a physical therapist to gradually regain mobility and functionality.
• Follow instructions on safe movements and activities to avoid.
• Take prescribed pain medications. 

At Kimball Health Services, we perform arthroplasty to ensure you receive thorough treatment for conditions affecting your joints. Our team prioritizes your satisfaction by tailoring a treatment plan based on your condition. 

As one of the top critical access hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. 

In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, call us at 308-235-1966 or fill out our online form. We're here for you whenever you need us.