Total Joint Replacement
Is joint pain interfering with your quality of life? Has your lost range of motion affected your ability to complete daily tasks?
Restoring or replacing arthritic or damaged joints can ease your pain and improve your ability to perform daily functions.
Dr. Matthew Heinrich and Dr. David Dodgin in Austin, TX, can help patients like you resume their life through total joint replacement.
What is Total Joint Replacement? A Surgical Solution to Painful Joints
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Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic, or ceramic prosthetic device. These devices are designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint.
Joint Replacement Surgery is a Fairly Common Procedure
Why Would I Need A Total Joint Replacement?
Joint Injury
Surgery can repair joints that have become damaged as a result of trauma. One common reason for a hip replacement is a fracture resulting from a fall.
Osteoarthritis
This type of arthritis is a result of normal wear and tear on a joint. This typically occurs as we age, but younger adults can also suffer from the condition. When the osteoarthritis worsens to the point where traditional therapies and pain medications offer no relief, a joint replacement may be suggested.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This form of arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the fluid surrounding your joints, causing chronic inflammation. This damages the cartilage and eventually wears it down, causing there to be little to no cushion between the bones. Total joint replacement surgery may be recommended if other medications and therapies fail to provide relief.
Long-lasting Solutions And Quicker Recovery
Dr. Heinrich and Dr. Dodgin are total joint replacement specialists who focus on providing the least invasive treatment possible that gives you the best results. They will only recommend surgery after more conservative treatments have failed. Both doctors use the latest techniques in orthopaedic surgery to provide long-lasting results with a quick recovery. Dr. Heinrich and Dr. Dodgin will make your comfort and rehabilitation their mission when treating your joint-related pain. If you are having pain in any of your joints that prevents you from performing daily tasks, contact our Austin, TX, office to request a consultation.
512-476-2830
Read Why Austin, TX, Chooses Us For Joint Replacement
Tom loftus
2020
First class Great staff and professional service. I had knee replacement and was in and out in no time. Very successful surgery and quick recovery time.
View on GoogleTom Kamrath
2019
Excellent doctors and staff. Very responsive and knowledgeable from intro appointments throughout my experiences.
View on GoogleWhat Joints Can be Replaced In a Total Joint Replacement Surgery?
Total joint replacement is a commonly performed surgery at our Austin, TX, practice and throughout the entire country. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimates more than 400,000 are done each year. At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, joint replacement is possible for virtually every joint, including the ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow, and finger, but the two most commonly replaced joints are knees and hips.
Knee Replacement
An advanced stage of osteoarthritis is typically the main reason for a knee replacement. Patients who need this surgery have severe pain in their knee that can prevent them from climbing stairs, getting up after sitting, and even walking. During this procedure, your doctor will remove damaged bone and cartilage from your shinbone, thighbone, and kneecap. The removed bone and cartilage will then be replaced with an artificial joint that functions like your natural knee.
Hip Replacement
Similar to a knee replacement, a hip typically needs to be replaced due to an advanced stage of arthritis. Patients who suffer from this severe pain have difficulty walking, getting dressed, climbing stairs, and even sleeping. During your hip replacement procedure, your doctor will remove the damaged sections of your hip and replace them with an artificial joint that functions just like your natural hip.
Am I a Good Candidate For Joint Replacement?
Often, any patient who has tried all other non-invasive treatments and has seen no results is a good candidate for joint replacement. However, some factors can affect your candidacy:
Age
Total joint replacement is usually recommended for people between the ages of 55 and 80.
Health
Any underlying medical conditions need to be addressed with your surgeon before your procedure. Your candidacy will depend on the type and severity of your underlying disease.
Weight
Severely overweight or obese patients may not be good candidates for a joint replacement. The excess weight adds stress to the artificial joint and can sometimes lead to its failure.
Smoking
It will be recommended that you stop smoking before and after your joint replacement. Studies have shown there is a higher risk of medical complications and a need for a joint revision in patients who smoke.
The Process Of Joint Replacement
Whether you are getting a knee, ankle, wrist, or hip replacement, the processes have many similarities:
Day of Procedure
"Our doctors are trained in the latest techniques of orthopedic surgery."
Orthopaedic Surgeons You Can Trust
All our doctors at the Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin are board-certified and fellowship-trained. While generalists may only perform two joint replacement surgeries in a year, Dr. Heinrich and Dr. Dodgin perform several a day. We use the most advanced orthopedic techniques to provide the least invasive treatment options that result in the quickest recovery possible. Contact our Austin, TX, practice if you are ready to stop living with joint pain.
512-476-2830
"Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin were great." Austin, TX, Loves Us
Suzie LaPlant
2019
These guys are great! Dr. Dodgin has helped me with both knees with great outcomes. I had total knee replacement on 1 knee and have great results. Between doing PRE-OP exercises and being vigilant about post-op physical therapy, I am WAY ahead of time for my recovery. Thanks Dr. Dodgin!!
View on GoogleToni Pavlos
2018
Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin were great. I had a total left hip replacement. My team, Dr. Heinrich, Frank and Kim were all wonderful. I had lots of questions, which they patiently answered. I am 2 weeks from surgery - walking outside, driving and using a cane only. Life is good due to them! Also a shout out to Capital Home Health for physical therapy.
View on GoogleAre There Any Risks Associated with Joint Replacement Surgery?
Temporary pain, swelling, and bruising are normal after surgery, and should subside within a few weeks to months. However, all surgeries involve risks that patients should understand before deciding to undergo treatment. Risks of total joint replacement include:
Nerve Damage
Like most any surgery, joint replacement also has the potential of causing nerve damage. If nerve damage has occurred, you will notice a lack of sensation in areas near the surgical site. While this side effect can be an annoyance, it is not considered an emergency.
Infection
Your wound may be infected if you notice an increase in redness, tenderness, swelling, pain, and drainage from the procedure area. You will need to contact your doctor right away so they can assess your joint and determine if another surgery to remove the replacement is needed for the infection to heal.
Blood Clots
You may have a blood clot if you are noticing throbbing pain, increased inflammation, increased redness, and increased warmth. The symptoms can be similar to those of an infection, so this needs to be treated by your doctor right away. Quick treatment is crucial because blood clots can lead to severe complications, and can be fatal in some cases.
Prosthesis Problems
Although rare, a loosening or dislocated prosthesis is a potential side effect that needs to be immediately treated by your doctor. Contact Dr. Heinrich or Dr. Dodgin if you are experiencing any feeling of instability, increased swelling, or increased pain, as these might be a sign of an issue with your prosthetic.
You can minimize these risks by choosing a qualified and reputable surgeon and following their instructions as carefully as you can during recovery.
Aftercare
It is important to follow Dr. Heinrich and Dr. Dodgin's care instructions to ensure the quickest and safest recovery. Patients are typically able to resume most daily activities around six weeks post-operation. Low-impact activities can be resumed after your recovery per your doctor's instructions. However, high-impact activities—especially after a knee or hip replacement—might need to be avoided altogether. Activities like swimming, hiking, or biking can be resumed following recovery, and your new joint should provide you with pain-free mobility for more than 15 years.
"The Best in the World at Leg Joint Replacement"
Frank Federer
2018
The doctors here are specialists. They are knowledgeable about bone and joint issues from head to toe. They are also top surgeons. They spend time with their patients from diagnosis, to explaining options, to follow up visits.
View on GoogleHerb Martin
2016
Best orthopedic surgeons anywhere, especially Dodgin who is the best in the world at leg joint replacement- - literally
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