Joint Replacement

If you have an arthritic or severely damaged joint, joint replacement surgery can relieve your pain, restore your range of motion, and improve your quality of life. At NY Partners Orthopedics in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens and Brooklyn, New York City, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Ronald Huang, MD, uses joint replacement to treat various musculoskeletal problems, including arthritis, fractures, and joint abnormalities. Call the New York City-area practice today to request a joint replacement consultation, or make your appointment online.

What is joint replacement?

Joint replacement is an orthopedic procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased joint with an artificial one. Prosthetic joints are made of plastic, metal, or ceramic and work like your natural joint, providing a full range of motion.

What problems does joint replacement treat?

At NY Partners Orthopedics, Dr. Huang uses joint replacement to treat various musculoskeletal problems, including:

• Avascular necrosis (bone death caused by poor blood flow to the bone)
• Fractures
• Osteoarthritis
• Hip dysplasia (and other joint abnormalities)
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Contact Dr. Huang if you have persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that doesn’t improve with medication and/or lifestyle changes.

How do I prepare for joint replacement surgery?

Dr. Huang completes a preoperative exam and helps you prepare for the procedure. Depending on your age and medical records, he might recommend physical therapy, exercise, or a diet program in the weeks leading up to surgery.

You might need to undergo several tests, including bloodwork, urinalysis, and/or an electrocardiogram. These screening procedures identify underlying health problems that might interfere with the anesthesia or increase your risk of complications during or after surgery.

Tell Dr. Huang about the medications and supplements you take. Before surgery, you might need to stop taking specific drugs, like blood thinners.

What happens during joint replacement surgery?

Dr. Huang completes joint replacement surgery at a local hospital.

Before the procedure begins, Dr. Huang administers a general anesthetic intravenously, putting you to sleep.

Dr. Huang makes several incisions near your joint and carefully removes the diseased or damaged pieces of bone, cartilage, and tissue. He inserts the artificial joint into the empty space, closes the incisions, and wraps your joint in a bandage.

Whenever possible, Dr. Huang uses a minimally invasive approach to joint replacement. He’s one of the few surgeons in the area trained in MAKOplasty®, a robot-guided procedure for total knee and hip replacement.

What is recovery like after joint replacement surgery?

After joint replacement surgery, you’ll likely need to stay in the hospital for a day or two, depending on which joint was replaced.

It’s normal to have pain, swelling, and increased sensitivity. Get plenty of rest and keep your joint elevated. Take medication as prescribed, clean your surgical incisions, and attend each of your physical therapy appointments.

Call NY Partners Orthopedics today to see if you can benefit from joint replacement surgery or make your appointment online.