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Chronic joint pain can make daily tasks feel impossible. If arthritis or joint damage is affecting your life, you may need joint replacement surgery. Working with a joint specialist makes all the difference in your outcome. This guide helps you understand how to plan your surgery and what to expect.
Over 1.3 million knee and hip replacements happen each year in the U.S., according to the American College of Rheumatology. Most implants last 20 or more years. Choosing the right joint specialist sets you up for success.
A joint specialist is an orthopedic surgeon who focuses on joint replacement. They perform many of these surgeries each year. Experience matters. Studies from NIHR show that high-volume surgeons have 45% lower revision rates than low-volume surgeons.
An orthopedic joint replacement specialist brings:
Many surgeons specialize even further. A hip and knee joint specialist focuses only on these two joints. They understand the specific challenges of knee and hip arthritis. They stay current on new advances in these areas.
Important: Surgery should be your last option. A good joint specialist explores non-surgical treatments first. These include medications, injections, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Surgery comes only after other options don't work.
Your first appointment with a joint specialist involves a complete evaluation. The surgeon will:
This is your chance to ask questions. MedlinePlus recommends asking:
A quality joint specialist takes time to explain everything. They help you understand what results to expect. By the end, you'll have a clear plan. You'll know if surgery is right, which implant to use, and when to schedule.
Improve Your Health
Build Strength Before Surgery
Prepare Your Home
Follow Medical Orders
Proper prep makes surgery safer and recovery faster. Your joint specialist will give you specific instructions. Here are key steps:
Improve Your Health
Build Strength Before Surgery
Ask about "pre-hab" exercises. Strengthening muscles around the joint shortens recovery time. Even arm exercises help if you'll use a walker or crutches. Practice with assistive devices before surgery.
Prepare Your Home
Follow Medical Orders
Complete all preoperative tests. Your doctor may require bloodwork, EKG, or medical clearance. Follow medication guidelines. Some drugs need to be stopped before surgery. Use special antiseptic washes if directed. Fast after midnight the night before.
According to AAOS OrthoInfo, planning ahead helps ensure a successful outcome.
Joint replacement in 2025 looks different than before. New technology makes surgery safer and recovery faster.
Better Implants
Modern implants last longer. New designs use high-grade plastics and ceramics. Some even have sensors to monitor performance. Most people now get joint replacement at younger ages. Dr. Matthew Harb reports a 211% increase in hip replacements from 2000 to 2017.
Advanced Surgical Tools
Many surgeons now use:
Faster Recovery
Smaller incisions mean less pain and quicker healing. Better pain management lets you move sooner. Many healthy patients now go home the same day. UnitedHealth Group reports that by 2025, about 1.5 million hip and knee replacements will happen, with many in outpatient centers.
Your joint specialist should stay current on these advances. You deserve the latest standards of care.
Ready to move forward? Finding a joint replacement specialist Sunnyvale patients trust is key. Look for:
Sunnyvale has an active community. You want a hip and knee joint specialist who understands your needs. Whether you want to return to daily walks or sports, find someone who tailors treatment to you.
Use initial consultations to ask about:
At Sunnyvale Orthopedics, our team offers personalized care from start to finish. We guide you through every step. Working with an experienced orthopedic joint replacement specialist who prioritizes education gives you confidence.
You might need surgery if you have severe pain that limits daily activities and other treatments haven't worked. Your joint specialist will evaluate your condition and explore all options first.
Most people use a walker for 2-4 weeks and return to normal activities in 3-6 months. Physical therapy starts right away to rebuild strength and movement.
Risks include infection, blood clots, and implant problems, but they're rare. Choosing a high-volume joint specialist lowers your risk significantly.
Most implants last 20+ years. Patients of high-volume surgeons have 45% lower revision rates according to NIHR research.
Yes. Better implant durability means surgeons can operate on younger patients. Many active people in their 40s and 50s get joint replacement now.
For healthy patients, same-day joint replacement is very safe. Modern pain control and techniques make this possible for many people.
Joint replacement can transform your life. With the right planning and a skilled joint specialist, you can return to activities you love. Don't let joint pain hold you back any longer.
Ready to explore your options? Contact Sunnyvale Orthopedics today for a consultation. Our experienced joint replacement specialist Sunnyvale team will evaluate your condition and create a personalized treatment plan. Call us now or visit our office to schedule your appointment.