When alternative treatment options no longer provide relief, joint replacement may be recommended. The surgical procedure involves replacing a portion or the entire damaged joint with prosthesis to create a healthy joint. Puget Sound Orthopaedics joint replacement surgeons are dedicated to restoring function, relieving pain and returning patients to prior levels of activity.
A “joint” is defined as the point where the ends of two or more bones are joined together. The two more prevalent joints in the body are “hinge joints” and “ball-and-socket’ joints. “Hinge joints” are found in the knee and elbow that bend and straighten and work much like the opening and closing of a door. “Ball-and-socket” joints are those found in the hip and shoulder that consist of a rounded end of one bone that fits into a cup-shaped portion of the accompanying bone.
INJURIES TO THE JOINTS
Inflammation of one or more joints causing pain and stiffness typically is caused by one of many forms of arthritis.
Joint fractures occur when a fracture line extends into the joint.
A joint dislocation occurs when a displaced bone loses contact with the accompanying joint.
SURGICAL CARE OPTIONS
Total joint replacement: A surgical procedure performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center by an orthopedic surgeon. Repairs are made to the damaged cartilage and bone is removed from the joint and replaced with prosthetic components made of metal, plastic or ceramic.
Partial joint replacement: If disease in a joint is limited to only one area, only a portion of the joint will be resurfaced with either metal or plastic parts.
Total joint revisions: Over time the original replacement may fail causing pain or instability. Some or all of the parts of the original prosthesis are replaced with new components.
Minimally invasive surgery: Unlike traditional total joint replacement, the surgeon uses a shorter incision and a different, less-invasive technique to expose the joint – with the goal of reducing postoperative pain and speeding recovery.
Outpatient total joint replacement: Joint replacement performed with minimally invasive techniques in an ambulatory surgery center where the patient returns home the same day.
UPPER EXTREMITY TREATMENT OPTIONS
Shoulder replacement: Damaged parts of the shoulder, the head of the humerus bone and/or the socket of the glenoid bone, are removed and replaced with artificial components called a prosthesis. The bone becomes damaged for many reasons, including arthritis where the cartilage that cushions the bone wears away. Shoulder joint replacement may be recommended if the shoulder pain is severe enough to interfere with everyday activities, is severe while resting, there is loss of motion or weakness in the shoulder, and if there is failure of conservative treatment options.
Reverse shoulder replacement: The socket and metal ball are actually reversed. The metal ball is fixed to the socket and the plastic cup is fixed to the upper end of the humerus. This procedure changes how the shoulder powers and positions by using the deltoid muscle instead of the rotator cuff muscles. Reverse total shoulder replacement may be recommended for patients with a completely torn rotator cuff that cannot be repaired, who have a chronic shoulder dislocation or tumor located in the shoulder, who have a complex fracture of the shoulder joint or who have found that other treatments do not or no longer relieve shoulder pain.
Finger joint replacement: There are many joints in the hand that can be replaced: finger joints (called PIP), knuckle joints (called MP) and wrist joints. The damaged parts of the bone are removed and replaced with components made of metal, plastic or carbon-coated implants.
Thumb joint replacement: The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is usually damaged due to arthritis. Some or all of the arthritic bone is removed and then the joint is stabilized using different methods.
Wrist joint replacement: Most surgical candidates are those suffering from severe arthritis in the wrist joint, resulting in pain, stiffness and swelling. It also may affect the strength of the fingers and hand causing problems with gripping or pinching.
Elbow joint replacement: The surgical replacement procedure involves removing scar tissue and spurs around the joint and a metallic piece is fitted into the stem of the humerus. The same procedure is done on the ulna. Both new stems are kept in place with bone cement.
LOWER EXTREMITY TREATMENT OPTIONS
Hip replacement: Hips that have received damage due to arthritis, fractures or other diseases may have sustained irreversible damage to the bone. When this happens, a total hip replacement might be the best available treatment. A prosthetic hip is placed into the pelvis and the head of the femur to recreate the ball-and-socket joint, which remobilizes the hip and stops pain and bone spur formation.
Knee replacement: A total knee replacement is the procedure performed when a knee is damaged beyond repair. Major injuries and various diseases can damage the knee to this point and the best treatment option is to replace the knee joint. The goal of a knee replacement is to reduce pain and improve function and mobility of the knee.
Unicompartmental (Partial) knee replacement: Only a portion of the knee is resurfaced due to the joint disease being limited to just one area of the knee.
Ankle joint replacement: Relieves pain and maintains motion in the arthritic ankle joint and is an alternative to ankle fusion, which typically eliminates motion in the joint, but still relieves pain.
See what our patients and their families have to say. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive orthopedic care in a compassionate and caring environment.
"Overall, I have been very satisfied with my care and promptness of all my appointments, prior to and after my surgery." - Diane
"I have to say that I am totally glad that I saw Dr. Vaughan and Puget Sound Orthopaedics for my knee. Everyone that I interacted with for my treatment was kind, warm and professional. All of the clinic staff at all three locations were wonderful. I will definitely use you again if I need any future treatments, hopefully not though. Thank you again for taking such great care of me." - Art
"I think the world of Dr. Smith; he has never done to me or my son anything but good." - Carolyn
"My appointment with Lindsay was good. She is very thorough and concerned with how you are feeling, what your limitations are, and the level of pain you are experiencing." - Tania
"Dr. Krumins and his PA were amazing. Both were patient and answered all my questions and concerns to completion." - Stephen
"Dr. Vaughan is a very knowledgeable and thorough doctor. I feel he really cares for all his patients, treating them with respect and explaining everything." - Johanna
"Staff are very courteous and efficient. Dr. Martin did superior work on my back surgery. I have my life back now. Thank you so much." - John
“Dr. Martin examined and listened closely to identify the extent of my injury, then clearly explained the projected next steps.” - Ed
"Charlene, MA is an angelic in her duties. She is prompt, caring, and very attentive to my needs." - Tyrone
"Dr. Yearian was friendly, clear, and thorough. I enjoyed my time with him and am confident in his abilities and care." - David
“Sean is an awesome doctor. I am glad he and the clinic are my surgery team.” - James
"Dr. Coray was tremendous: caring, gentle, and very informative for me. He walked me through every step." - Deborah
"My experience was very much appreciated! The receptionist and the complete staff was very friendly! We new that Dr. Martin is one of the best in his field!"
"I felt like Dr. Gray was genuinely concerned about my musculoskeletal problem. He also took an interest in guiding me about other health issues. I have already recommended him to a friend." - Sheri
"Thank you Dr. Gray and your staff for taking care of my hip. I was terrified at the thought of surgery so when Dr. Gray told me that’s what was needed to get me out of pain, my first question to him was, 'How soon could I get back on my horse?' He told me he would have me back riding in six weeks so I said, 'Let’s do this.' It’s been six weeks and I am riding again! I am so happy with the Swiftpath program. It totally made my recovery a breeze! The questions I had during my time of recovery where answered quickly and with genuine care. Thank you Dr. Gray and all of your fabulous team!"
“Dr. Jenkins has a genuine concern for his patients and I just can’t say enough good things about him. He’s a wonderful surgeon.” - Mikki
"I wouldn’t trust anyone else. Dr. Arroyo was very professional, concerned for my problem, and thoroughly explained all my options, including my best option and length of recovery." - Constance
"I was greatly impressed by Dr. Smith's competence and friendliness. He always addressed me by my first name and carefully listened to what I had to say." - Joan
"Mrs. Rades is exceptionally thorough and knowledgeable. She takes great care to explain every element and/or issue." - Bette
"Love Puget Sound Orthopaedics. Dr. Hassan is amazing!! Great attitude, friendly, compassionate, empathetic and he is always smiling!! Those girls at the front desk are also always smiling, no matter what is going on. When checking in patients, they greet each and every patient with a smile. Huge kudos to this clinic. Everyone is so welcoming, kind, friendly, and smiley. Great job everyone!!" - Anonymous
"I trust Dr. Krumins completely. He is honest with me, compassionate & superb in his field. He is by far the best orthopedic surgeon I have ever had."
"Dr. Krumins' work shows that he enjoys what he does. He is ultra-professional." - Edward
“Dr. Bargren is always helpful and explains things very well. I always feel like he is giving me his full attention.” - Anonymous
“He is the most amazing doctor. I can’t even begin to stress the gratitude I have for him and the care I received.” - Gabriella
"I had a lower back injury. The injury was very bad and created several medical problems for myself. Dr. Martin spent time giving me an education about my medical problems with my back. Dr. Martin is a medical professional. He cares about his patient, his customer service is outstanding and very good. I will give him a rating of 5/5, 10/10, and 100/100 percent. I believe I can evaluate Dr. Martin one of the best in the medical business after L4, L5 spine and a fusion. Dr. Martin YOU ROCK!" - Mr. Jacobs
"Dr. Vaughan gave me lots of great information on exercises I can do at home for my knees. I will absolutely recommend him." - Andrea
"Dr. Vaughan is a fabulous surgeon and 12 years later his work is still performing great. At that time I was 105 lbs heavier than I am now, even under the weight strain of the past my knees today work perfectly fine. I sincerely thank Dr. Vaughan for his excellent care and workmanship." - Kerri
"I was impressed by Dr. Coray's listening skills and genuine concern for my issues." - Carolyn
"I have every confidence in Dr. Arroyo. He comes with the highest recommendations. His personality is superb!" - Don
"We have always had wonderful care from Dr. Smith. He is kind, caring and very knowledgeable. We have referred many patients to him. - Anonymous