LIVEWELL MINUTE: Joint Replacement Surgery

Each year approximately 773,000 Americans have hip or knee replacement surgery. Since the early 1970′s the surgeons of Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons have performed over 12,000 total hip replacements and more than 20,000 total knee replacements.

Dr. Devon Goetz, Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons says, “The goal of a hip and knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain and increase the mobility and function of a damaged joint. To do this we surgically remove the damaged cartilage and bone and replace them with an artificial joint called a prosthesis.”

In many cases joints are damaged by Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and other degenerative conditions. Cartilage wears away and the joint becomes painful. This can limit everyday activities like walking and climbing stairs.

Dr. Goetz says, “The outlook for patients who undergo joint replacement surgery has never been better. Joint replacement surgery has proven to be affective in relieving pain and regaining range of motion. In time and with proper rehabilitation patients can enjoy golfing, bicycling, and a variety of low impact activities.”