Total Joint Replacement At ORTHOKnox

At OrthoKnox we believe in conservative, compassionate care that offers exceptional results. That’s why we always seek nonsurgical treatments first. If surgery is required, we use the least invasive, most advanced methods such as arthroscopic surgery whenever possible. However, when your joints become so damaged that the pain is unbearable and your mobility is severely limited, it may be time to consider joint replacement.

At OrthoKnox, Dr. David Hovis performs joint replacement surgery for knees and shoulders. He will evaluate your condition and discuss your treatment options with you so you can decide what is best for you.

Total Knee Replacement

A total knee replacement has a high success rate for relieving pain and restoring function. It is especially helpful for patients with knee osteoarthritis (also known as wear-and-tear arthritis).

The knee is a ball-and-socket joint made up of four bones (femur [thigh bone], patella [kneecap], tibia, and fibula [lower leg bones]) and three compartments: inside, outside, and patellofemoral (the kneecap and femur). Osteoarthritis is extremely common in the knee and can result in a condition known as tricompartmental osteoarthritis of the knee.

When present, tricompartmental osteoarthritis often causes visible knee deformity such as a bow-legged or knock-kneed appearance when the patient is standing. If all three compartments are damaged, and/or other therapies are not helpful with restoring function or relieving pain, a total joint replacement is often the best solution.

When only one knee compartment is damaged, Dr. Hovis may recommend a partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement rather than a total knee replacement.

If a total knee replacement is advisable, Dr. Hovis will only remove the components that are so damaged they cannot be repaired, replacing them with accurately placed, durable implants that closely mimic the natural range of motion and body movement.

Total Shoulder Replacement

Like the knee, the shoulder is also a ball-and-socket joint comprised of the humerus (upper arm bone) and a shallow socket called the glenoid fossa that is surrounded by a ring of cartilage called the labrum. Osteoarthritis, injury, and overuse can cause the labrum to wear down, leading to pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion.

There are two different types of shoulder replacement: traditional and reverse. The type of replacement you need will depend on the diagnosis and severity of damage within the shoulder joint.

Traditional shoulder replacement is typically recommended if you have osteoarthritis but your rotator cuff tendons are fine.

Reverse shoulder replacement may be recommended if you have:

• A torn rotator cuff that can’t be repaired
• Osteoarthritis with rotator cuff damage
• Prior failed shoulder surgery

In traditional total shoulder replacement, the damaged head of the humerus is replaced with a metal ball and the shoulder socket is replaced with plastic. With reverse shoulder replacement, the position of the ball and socket in the joint are switched, which allows the deltoid muscle, instead of the damaged rotator cuff muscles, to raise the arm. With both types of shoulder replacement surgery, Dr. Hovis will precisely place the artificial joint implants for the best fit and smoothest motion.

Following any joint replacement surgery, you will go through several weeks of physical therapy to help you safely recover and regain your mobility as quickly as possible.

Total Shoulder & Knee Replacement Surgery in Knoxville & Athens, TN

If you are suffering from damaged knees or shoulders or you have questions about the possible benefits of a total joint replacement in the Knoxville, Tennessee area, please call OrthoKnox or request an appointment online today. Dr. David Hovis provides excellent care with exceptional results.