Joint Replacement at Missoula Bone and Joint

For most people, osteoarthritis is an inevitable part of aging. This chronic degenerative condition causes the cartilage between joints to wear down. Eventually your bones start to rub together as you move. The resulting friction can create disabling pain in your joints, making it impossible to participate in the things you once loved doing. Even the simple act of walking or climbing stairs can be painful. Joint replacement may be your best option LEARN MORE

The orthopedic surgeons at Missoula Bone & Joint can help restore your mobility so you can return to your active lifestyle. Each year we help thousands of people to once again take part in the activities they enjoy.

Arthritis can affect any joint in your body. Our doctors will first recommend conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or steroid injections to help alleviate your pain and slow the degenerative process. When this treatment plan is no longer effective, it may be time for joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty.

Joint replacement techniques have evolved over the past decade. At Missoula Bone & Joint we are so fortunate to have a very experienced group of surgeons who specialize in total joint replacement of the shoulder, hip, knee, ankle and hand. Our hip replacement surgeons use a variety of approaches – anterior, posterior, superior – to best serve the needs of our patients.

When is the right time for joint replacement surgery?

At Missoula Bone & Joint we understand that the decision to have a joint replacement procedure is seldom an easy one. When making a recommendation your surgeon will consider various factors such as your age, health profile, and desired activity level. Usually, the right time for a joint replacement is when the pain is limiting your quality of life and stopping you from doing the things you enjoy.

When the entire joint is damaged, you will likely need a total joint replacement. However, if only part of the joint is damaged, your orthopedic surgeon may be able to repair or replace just the damaged parts. To replace a joint, a surgeon removes the diseased or damaged parts and inserts artificial parts, called prostheses, or implants.

Physical Therapy

Ask your surgeon if 4-6 weeks of physical therapy before your total joint replacement could enhance your recovery following surgery. With injury or joint pain your supporting muscles around the joint could have atrophied (become weaker) over time. It is helpful to be in your best physical condition to assist in your positive recovery.

Following joint replacement surgery, you will go through several weeks of rehabilitation. At MBJ, we have physical therapy right in our office, which allows our doctors and therapists to work together to customize a treatment plan for you. Not only is in-house physical therapy convenient for our patients, but it also creates a seamless continuum of care. From your initial diagnosis to surgery to recovery, our providers work together to ensure you meet your treatment goals.

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