Faith Regional Health Services | living WELL | Springl 2017

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Faith Regional’s Orthopaedics in
Motion is a preadmission class for
orthopedic patients. The goal is
to create a seamless experience
from the physician’s office through
rehabilitation. Our team of experi-
enced doctors and professional staff
will work closely with you to provide
treatment, education and support to
help you return to an independent
and active lifestyle.
Find an orthopedic surgeon
and learn more about
Orthopaedics in Motion at
remove a damaged hip or knee joint
and replace it with an artificial one.
For many, it’s the best way to reduce
pain, increase function and improve
quality of life.
How it’s done
An artificial joint, also called a pros-
thesis, can be made of metal, plastic
or ceramic.
The damaged bones and cartilage
are surgically removed, and the artifi-
cial parts are carefully shaped to fit in
their place.
“An artificial joint often lasts for
15 years or more,” says John Lammli,
MD, orthopedic surgeon at Faith
Regional Health Services. “They work
much like a natural joint. A knee will
bend back and forth and a hip will
rotate but without the pain caused by
the old joint.”
Knee and hip joints are the ones
most often replaced. But surgeons at
Faith Regional can also install artifi-
cial shoulder, finger, ankle and elbow
joints.
Getting ready
The process of getting a new joint
can start long before you arrive at the
hospital. For example, before surgery
it’s a good idea to:
• Stop smoking, if you smoke.
• Consider losing weight, if you are
overweight or obese.
• Ask your doctor about exercises
you can do to make recovery
easier. For instance, you may need
to strengthen your upper body
if you’ll need to use a walker or
crutches after your operation.
• Get your home ready for your
recovery. For example, stock up on
easy-to-fix foods so mealtime is
simpler to manage. Knee and hip
patients should remove rugs and
other tripping hazards. Shoulder
patients may want to put items on
lower shelves so they won’t need to
reach unnecessarily.
After surgery, physical therapy is
essential. Among other things, physi-
cal therapy helps strengthen muscles
around the new joint, improves flex-
ibility and reduces pain.
Making your decision
“Joint replacement surgery is usually
very successful, even life-changing,
for many people, including older
patients,” adds Dr. Lammli. “Most
people who have these surgeries are
happy with the results, especially the
greater independence that comes with
pain-free movement.”
Of course, like any surgery, joint
replacement has risks. But, since most
of these operations aren’t emergen-
cies, potential patients have plenty of
time to consider all the pros and cons
before making a decision.
Before you agree to an operation,
have a long talk with your doctor.
Among other things, ask:
• Are there nonsurgical remedies—
such as different medications or
new exercises—I could try?
• What are the risks and benefits of
the specific surgery I may need?
• What restrictions will I have after
surgery? How long will they last?
• What postsurgery therapy will I
need?
• How long is my new joint likely to
last?
It might also be a good idea to get
an opinion from a second surgeon and
to talk with other patients who have
had similar operations. In the end, the
decision to have surgery is yours.
Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons;
Arthritis Foundation; National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Faith Regional was
recognized as a Five-Star
Recipient for Total Hip
Replacement in 2017.
joint?
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