Joint Replacement and Cartilage Repair
To help restore damaged cartilage and maximize patient functionality, we provide a full spectrum of contemporary treatments matched to the patient's lifestyle. These range from arthroscopic repair, to revision of the joint and cartilage and possibly, total joint replacement.
Cartilage Repair
Approximately 2 million knee injuries occur each year, with many involving the cartilage in the knee. Cartilage problems in knees, ankles and shoulders can also develop gradually over time as a result of degenerative joint disease or age-related usage.
Normal knee function requires a smooth gliding surface on the ends of the bones. This surface is composed of a thin layer of slippery, tough tissue called cartilage. This cartilage also acts to distribute force during repetitive pounding-like movements such as jumping or running.
To help restore damaged cartilage and maximize patient functionality, we provide a full spectrum of contemporary treatments matched to the patient's lifestyle. These range from arthroscopic repair, to revision of the joint and cartilage and possibly, total joint repair or cartilage regeneration.
Joint Replacement Surgery
When cartilage in a joint becomes damaged by disease or injury, the tissues around the joint become inflamed, causing pain and a breakdown of healthy tissue. Common causes leading to a hip or knee replacement include:
- Osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- a deformed joint
- excess weight
- joint fracture
- ligament tears
- Other injury causing cartilage damage
Using the latest technology and surgical techniques, our highly skilled orthopedic surgeons relieve pain and restore joint functions for thousands of patients each year.
When only some of the joint is damaged, a surgeon may be able to repair or replace just the damaged parts. When the entire joint is damaged, a total joint replacement is done. Some patients may be candidates for “mini-incision” hip replacement surgery, which involves a smaller incision and faster recovery time.
Joint Effort Camp
For those patients who choose to have their joint replacement surgery performed at a Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare facility, our free Joint Effort camp supports you before, during and after through educational materials, 1:1 counseling and support.
Joint Effort offers all joint replacement patients the option to attend regular Joint Effort classes, take part in regular Joint Effort activities during the hospital stay, ensure that all follow-up visits and therapy appointments are scheduled and participate in various education activities to have the best outcome through your procedure and recovery.
Joint Effort will familiarize the patient with our orthopedic unit, introduce the care team (nurses, discharge specialists, therapists and more), show where surgery and recovery will take place, and help clarify expectations from pre-procedure through recovery. More knowledge, less anxiety and increased confidence for both the patient and family will help to ensure a positive experience for all.
If you are a candidate for joint replacement surgery and would be interested in attending the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Joint Effort camps, please discuss with your orthopedic surgeon.
