Joint Replacement Surgery Specialist

What is joint replacement surgery?

Joint replacement surgery removes severely damaged portions of a joint, specifically bone and cartilage, and replaces those parts with metal, ceramic, and plastic prostheses. These artificial parts are biocompatible and made to stay in your joint indefinitely. 

Joint replacement surgery can greatly improve your joint mobility and function while decreasing joint pain. At Legacy Orthopaedics, Dr. Riley performs joint replacement surgeries for the:

• Shoulder
• Hip
• Knee
• Partial knee

To improve his precision during the procedure and increase your chances of a great surgical outcome, Dr. Riley often performs robotic joint replacement surgery. Robotic surgeries involve the use of a robotic device with several arms, one of which has a high-definition camera and the others with surgical tools.

At a console, Dr. Riley controls the robot to perform the surgery with highly precise movements. Dr. Riley has a clear, magnified view of the inside of the joint that helps with his accuracy in making the repairs.

When do I need joint replacement surgery?

Dr. Riley evaluates you extensively to decide whether you’re a candidate for joint replacement surgery, or if there are other options you should consider. Typically, he performs joint replacement for joints with severe damage from inflammatory joint problems like:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint wear-and-tear problem that develops and worsens with time. As the cartilage wears down and disintegrates, the joint becomes stiffer and more painful. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune variety of arthritis. If you have it, your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining around a joint. 

Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis can be a complication of certain joint injuries like fractures or dislocations. When blood flow in a joint is inhibited, the joint can accumulate damage in the bones.

How long does it take to recover from joint replacement surgery?

The length of recovery and rehabilitation after joint replacement surgery varies from person to person based on many different factors. You may have some postoperative pain, which is minimized with a minimally invasive or robotic surgical technique. 

Dr. Riley may teach you certain exercises to work your healing joint or refer you to a physical therapist for further rehabilitation. As long as you follow all instructions closely, you can expect any discomfort to resolve in a few months. 

To find out more about joint replacement surgery for a painful hip, knee, or shoulder, call Legacy Orthopaedics or book online today.