Total Joint Replacement
If chronic joint pain is keeping you from doing the things you love, the time might be right for a total joint replacement. When physical therapy, medication, and other common treatment options aren't enough, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are here to help you find relief from pain. Total joint replacement (also known as arthroplasty) for your knee, hip, shoulder, or ankle can help you get your life back.
During total joint replacement surgery, arthritic or damaged joints are replaced with an artificial joint known as a prosthesis. This allows you to regain the ability to move the joint freely and relieves chronic joint pain.
If you and your provider decide that joint replacement surgery is your best path for pain relief, WellSpan Orthopedics is here for you, before, during, and after surgery.
Contact Us: 1-800-598-5096
During total joint replacement surgery, arthritic or damaged joints are replaced with an artificial joint known as a prosthesis. This allows you to regain the ability to move the joint freely and relieves chronic joint pain.
If you and your provider decide that joint replacement surgery is your best path for pain relief, WellSpan Orthopedics is here for you, before, during, and after surgery.
Contact Us: 1-800-598-5096
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if joint replacement surgery is right for me?
You may be a good candidate for joint replacement surgery if:
• You experience severe joint pain that keeps you from participating in normal activities such as walking
• You have swelling, instability, or decreased range of motion in your joint
• You have severe arthritis that is not responding to non-surgical treatment
• You experienced a bone fracture in your joint from trauma such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries
• You experience severe joint pain that keeps you from participating in normal activities such as walking
• You have swelling, instability, or decreased range of motion in your joint
• You have severe arthritis that is not responding to non-surgical treatment
• You experienced a bone fracture in your joint from trauma such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries
Will joint replacement improve my condition?
After joint replacement, many people have less pain, are more active, and enjoy an improved quality of life. Your experience after surgery depends on many factors, including your:
• Physical condition before surgery
• Weight
• Activity level
• Ability to follow your surgeon’s instructions before and after surgery
Like any surgical procedure, joint surgery involves potential risks. It also requires recovery time.
• Physical condition before surgery
• Weight
• Activity level
• Ability to follow your surgeon’s instructions before and after surgery
Like any surgical procedure, joint surgery involves potential risks. It also requires recovery time.
What should I expect after surgery?
On the day of your surgery, you'll be out of bed and able to sit in a chair.
Your physical and occupational therapy will begin and you'll continue working with our therapy team on individual skills.
The team will work with you to prepare for your return home and arrange for your continued, outpatient therapy.
Your physical and occupational therapy will begin and you'll continue working with our therapy team on individual skills.
The team will work with you to prepare for your return home and arrange for your continued, outpatient therapy.
Am I too old for joint replacement surgery?
If you’re in reasonably good health, age typically is not a factor.
How long will I be in the hospital?
You should expect an overnight hospital stay and 2-6 weeks of outpatient therapy before returning to normal activities.
What activities will I be able to do after my surgery?
Your activity level after surgery depends on:
• The type of surgery you had
• Your health
• The progress you’ve made during your recovery
Most patients are able to return to some low-impact activities within two weeks.
• The type of surgery you had
• Your health
• The progress you’ve made during your recovery
Most patients are able to return to some low-impact activities within two weeks.
Is joint replacement painful?
Pain and swelling are expected after major surgeries such as joint replacement, especially within the first few weeks. That's why having a qualified care team to help manage your pre and post surgery care is so important!
Together, your care team will ensure your pain remains manageable so that you can focus on recovery. Typically, you can return to normal activities about six weeks after surgery.
Joint Replacement Education Program
To help you prepare for total joint replacement surgery, you’ll attend a special class with other patients about 2-3 weeks before your scheduled procedure. Members of our Joint Replacement Team will be available to answer your questions.
We strongly encourage you to bring a family member or friend who will serve as your support person after your surgery. During this class, we’ll discuss the vital role your support person will play throughout your recovery.
Our preoperative class includes:
- An overview of joint replacement surgery at WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital
- Details about what to expect during your stay, if needed
- Information about the role of your coach
- An opportunity to meet our team
- Breathing exercises
- A review of the preoperative exercises your surgeon will prescribe
- Advice for protecting your new joint
- Tips for using assistive equipment such as a cane or walker
After attending the class, you’ll have all the information you need to approach your joint replacement surgery with confidence. You’ll also be well-equipped to play a key role in your own recovery.
Prepare for Surgery
Your team at WellSpan Orthopedics will help you prepare for your total joint replacement surgery 6-8 weeks in advance.
What to Expect
• Your doctor will prescribe specific exercises to strengthen your body before your surgery
• You'll choose a family member or friend to serve as your support person
Learn More
Request an Appointment: 1-800-598-5096
• You'll choose a family member or friend to serve as your support person
Learn More
Request an Appointment: 1-800-598-5096
Find Your Freedom
After receiving a knee replacement, Ronda Powell was back to baiting hooks, casting lines, and catching fish.
Hear From our Patients and Doctors
From Our Patients
From Our Doctors
Request an Appointment: 1-800-598-5096
From Our Doctors
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Center of Excellence
WellSpan Orthopedics is Pennsylvania's first and only DNV Orthopedic Center of Excellence.
What Does This Mean for You?
The DNV Orthopedic Center of Excellence designation is obtained by achieving advanced certification in at least three (3) advanced orthopedic programs. Achieving designation validates an organization’s excellence in orthopedic care, from diagnosis to treatment, rehabilitation, education, and outcomes.
The DNV advanced orthopedic requirements are informed by the guidelines and recommendations of organizations such as the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the ERAS® Society, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and relevant requirements of the CMS Conditions of Participation for Hospitals.
WellSpan Orthopedics' combination of the right equipment, skilled providers and staff, and specialty training come together to provide the highest level of orthopedic services!
Request an Appointment: 1-800-598-5096
The DNV advanced orthopedic requirements are informed by the guidelines and recommendations of organizations such as the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the ERAS® Society, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and relevant requirements of the CMS Conditions of Participation for Hospitals.
WellSpan Orthopedics' combination of the right equipment, skilled providers and staff, and specialty training come together to provide the highest level of orthopedic services!
Request an Appointment: 1-800-598-5096