Knee Replacement

The knee is one of the largest and important joints in the body.  Injury or disease, such as various forms of arthritis, can disrupt normal knee function, causing pain and/or mobility problems.

A total knee replacement surgery is the most common orthopaedic joint replacement surgery.  

Total Knee Replacement (Total Knee Arthroplasty) involves surgery to replace the ends of both bones in a damaged joint to create new joint surfaces. The knee involves the lower end of the thigh bone, the femur, and the upper end of the shin bone, called the tibia. The kneecap, the patella, sits in front.  The ends of these three bones meet and are protected by articular cartilage, which helps the bones move easily. The menisci are located between the femur and tibia, cushioning the joint and acting as a shock absorber. Ligaments hold the femur and tibia together, providing strength and stability to your knee. The remaining surfaces of the knee are lined with a synovial membrane, which releases a lubricant that prevents friction in the knee.

Partial knee replacement surgery can also be performed in certain patients in which only “one part” of the knee is worn or damaged.

Watch this 30 second video of a patient who had a 2 two knee replacements. 

Hip Replacement

The hip enables us to bend and straighten our body and move our lower limbs. Total Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) is a surgery in which the OSS doctor replaces the ends of both bones in a damaged joint to create new joint surfaces.  When the hip is replaced, the original ball and socket joint is replaced with an artificial one consisting generally of a metal ball attached to a stem that fits inside the hollow canal of the femur or thigh bone. The ball is designed to fit with an artificial socket that is fixed to the cup portion of the pelvis or acetabulum. For the femur, both cement fixation and bone ingrowth methods are equally successful. A bone ingrowth implant is generally used, although cement fixation for the femur may be used in older patients whose bone may not be as substantial as when they were young. Watch this lecture given by Dr. Shahan Yacoubian who gives a thorough explanation of hip replacement surgery and recovery.

Ankle Replacement

Total Ankle Replacement Surgery (Ankle Arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure for a patient who has severe arthritis in the ankle. This procedure is typically more preferred compared to arthrodesis (fusion of the ankle joint) in order to preserve range of motion or function. The talocrural joint of the ankle is replaced using prosthetic components typically consisting of polyethylene (plastic) and metal. The talocrural joint consists of the 3 bones: the fibula, tibia, and talus. The primary function of the talocrural joint is for movement in the sagittal plane: dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.

Shoulder Replacement

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body.  In turn, it can also be one of the most unstable joints in the body.  The shoulder allows us to reach, throw, and support our own body weight as we move about our daily lives.

If you are experiencing severe shoulder pain, weakness, or loss of motion, then you should consult one of our OSS doctors.

A Total Shoulder Replacement (Total Shoulder Arthroplasty) is when the “ball and socket” are replaced with artificial parts that allow for return of smoother motion with less pain.  There are two types of shoulder replacements which depends on your shoulder condition.  Please ask your OSS doctor for the details.  

If you have a worn out or damaged rotator cuff, then you should consult one of our experienced doctors who may recommend a reverse Total Shoulder Replacement (rTSA).

Revision Joint Replacement Surgery

A previously replaced joint can be the cause of discomfort and pain. In some cases, the implanted prosthetic joint can become loose or can wear out over time.  Revision Joint Replacement is when the doctor removes the existing implant and replaces it with a new one.  Revision surgery can be more complex because the bone and soft tissues around the existing joint are more fragile. As such, it is very important that you choose an orthopaedic surgeon who is specifically trained in revision surgeries.