Orthopaedic Surgery/Joint Replacement - Ochsner Rush Health

Orthopedics

Picture of physician performing an exam on patientThe Joint Replacement Center at Ochsner Rush Medical Center is an integrated program dedicated to providing you with comprehensive preoperative education and preparation and postoperative care for your joint replacement. The center provides care if you need joint replacement surgery in an environment that promotes wellness and patient and family education, and encourages early rehabilitation.

The program incorporates a team approach to treatment involving a dedicated staff of orthopedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, orthopedic nurses, pharmacists, case managers, and orthopedic specialists.

Services

The philosophy behind the Joint Replacement Center at Ochsner is based upon the perception that you are a generally healthy person who comes to us to restore your mobility. With this in mind, we have developed a program that is designed to get you back on your feet, back at home and back doing the activities that you enjoy as quickly as possible.

Ochsner Rush Medical Center is the first in the region to offer MAKOplasty® partial knee replacement and MAKOplasty® total hip replacement procedures, performed using the RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System, and the Velys Surgical System for partial knee replacement surgery.

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Total Hip Replacement Surgery

The hip is one of the body’s largest weight-bearing joints. It consists of two main parts: a ball (femoral head) at the top of the thighbone (femur) that fits into a rounded socket (acetabulum) in your pelvis. A hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which a hip joint that is worn out or injured and painful is replaced with an artificial joint. The goal of surgery is to reduce pain, increase leg strength and provide easier movement.

Total Knee Replacement Surgery

The knee is the largest joint in the body. A knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which a knee joint that is worn out or injured and painful is replaced with an artificial joint. The goal of surgery is to reduce pain, increase leg strength and provide easier movement.

Partial or Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Surgery

The goal of knee replacement surgery is to decrease pain and restore function. Although total knee replacement (also called arthroplasty) is an excellent option for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, other surgical options exist. Patients with osteoarthritis that is limited to just one part of the knee may be candidates for unicompartmental knee replacement (also called a partial knee replacement).

Your knee is divided into three major compartments: the medial compartment (the inside part of the knee, closest to the other knee), the lateral compartment (the outside part) and the patellofemoral compartment (the front of the knee between the kneecap and thighbone).

In a unicompartmental knee replacement, only the damaged compartment is replaced with metal and plastic. The healthy cartilage and bone in the rest of the knee are left alone.

About Your Surgery

Personal Coach – Prior to surgery, you choose a personal coach who will assist you during the treatment and throughout your recovery period. A coach can be a spouse, family member or friend. Coaches assist you with exercises before surgery and attend physician and rehabilitation appointments with you before and after surgery. They are taught how to help you with therapy while you are in the hospital and learn to assist you at home throughout rehabilitation. The coach is an integral part of the joint replacement team.

Preoperative Education – Two weeks before surgery, you and your coach meet with the case manager, orthopaedic coordinator, pharmacist, physical therapist, admissions representative, swing bed coordinators, orthopaedic nurse and admitting nurse to begin your education and preparation for total joint replacement. We believe that when you are informed about your surgical procedure and encouraged to take an active role in your recovery, you generally return to a more active lifestyle much sooner after having surgery.

Your Joint Replacement caregivers will discuss your in-hospital and post-hospital care plans and needs with you and your personal coach.