Total Joint Replacement Surgery
At RMH we offer both hip and knee replacement surgery. These surgeries both involve replacing a natural joint with an artificial joint.
Before getting total joint replacement surgery, there are three important questions to ask:
Do I need total joint replacement surgery?
The decision of whether or not you need total joint replacement surgery is one that you and your orthopedic surgeon will make together. Your doctor will want to know if your pain is severe enough to limit your ability to function in your day to day life. He or she will also order tests, including imaging, to determine the condition of your joint and the level of your overall health.
When will I get my total joint replacement?
If you are in good overall health, depending on the condition of your joint, your doctor may recommend that you get a total joint replacement either 1) at some time in the future or 2) right away.
If your overall health is not good enough for total joint replacement surgery, your surgeon may recommend lifestyle changes, so that you can have the surgery after your health improves.
If your joint replacement surgery is not needed immediately, or cannot be done right away, your surgeon has other treatment options for reducing your pain and improving your ability to move.
What should I look for in a surgeon?
When the time comes for you to have a total joint replacement, it’s important to choose a qualified surgeon. Here are some of the most important questions to ask yourself when choosing an orthopedic surgeon:
- How experienced is my surgeon? Are joint replacements the primary focus of his or her practice?
- Is he or she using the latest techniques to maximize the number of years my new joint will last?
- How does he or she manage pain?
- Is he or she affiliated with a reputable rehabilitation department that will be able to help me in my recovery?
Total Joint Replacement at RMH
Jeffrey R. Ginther, MD, FACS
At RMH, total joint replacement surgery is performed by Dr Jeffrey Ginther. Dr Ginther has performed over 8000 total joint replacements in his 35 year career. He was an Indiana pioneer in Cryoneurolysis, a procedure done prior to surgery, using cold technology to temporarily deaden nerve endings in the knee. This procedure helps minimize the pain and shorten the recovery period for knee replacement surgery.
Dr Ginther also was also a pioneer in the use of computer-assisted surgery when performing knee replacements. This increases the accuracy of the joint replacement, thus extending the life of the new joint.
Dr Ginther’s knee replacement surgery is done using a tourniquetless technique that reduces the incidence of blood clots and results in a shorter recovery time.
For hip replacements, Dr Ginther uses a special operating table that is designed to maximize the accuracy of the placement of the new joint. This results in a longer life for the newly implanted joint.
For all total joint replacements, Dr Ginther uses a multi-modal approach to pain management, including the injection of slow release pain medication at the time of surgery. This medication provides significant pain reduction for the first 72 hours after surgery, when patients have the greatest need for effective pain management. This allows patients to begin using their new joint as soon as possible, thereby reducing their total recovery time.
At the time of total joint replacement surgery, patients have typically been in pain and inactive for many years. In order to regain their strength and range of motion, they need support while adjusting to their new hip or knee. The skilled and compassionate therapists of RMH Rehabilitation help patients learn to move freely and confidently with their new joint.
Infection Prevention
At RMH, after each total joint surgery patient, our operating rooms as well as our patient rooms are disinfected using a UVC ultraviolet light device. This device breaks down the DNA of bacteria and viruses, thus preventing them from reproducing. UVC disinfection is used as a follow up to traditional cleaning methods, resulting in an ultra-sterile environment.
Make an Appointment
If you think you may need a total joint replacement, and would like to make an appointment with Dr. Ginther, please fill out the form below so that our office staff may contact you.
To request an appointment, please fill out the information below and our scheduling department will reach out to you in 1-2 business days.