Dr. Gilbert: New Provider Subpage for EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region

Hip and knee replacement surgery are two of the most common surgeries performed in the United States where approximately 790,000 total knee replacements and over 450,000 hip replacements are performed annually. Hip and knee joints get worn down due to excessive use. Arthritis is also one of the leading causes of hip and knee replacements. 

Typically, seeing a joint specialist means you struggle to perform daily tasks because of the inability of your joints to move adequately. A hip doctor or knee doctor will guide you in the right direction to get you back to a functioning life. Unless your hip replacement specialist or orthopedic knee surgeon truly feels you need surgery, they will provide you with nonsurgical treatments such as:

·       Physical and Occupational Therapy

·       Anti-inflammatory Medication

·       Cortisone Injections

·       Wearable Assistive Device

·       PRP Therapy for Nonoperative Musculoskeletal Treatment

·       Use of a Cane or Walker

Luckily, EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region’s Dr. Brett Gilbert is one of the leading hip replacement surgeons and knee replacement surgeons in the area. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in hip and knee replacement surgery, Dr. Gilbert will evaluate you based on the level of care required for you to return to an enjoyable life. 

How a Hip Replacement Surgeon Operates

Hip and knee replacement surgery are common and should cause little to no worry regarding the potential procedures. For both the hip replacement and knee replacement, Dr. Gilbert will remove a section of the affected joint and replace the joint with a prosthesis.

Hip replacements generally occur from age, accidents, work, or sports injuries. When evaluated, Dr. Gilbert will decide if you need a partial or total hip replacement. A partial hip replacement is less common because of the hip’s anatomy. The hip is considered a ball and socket joint that is a point of articulation between the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis. A partial hip replacement occurs when only the head of the femur needs to be replaced. A total hip replacement procedure is when the femoral head and socket need to be replaced. The total hip procedure involves:

·       Femoral head removal and replacement with a metal prosthesis. 

·       Acetabulum removal and replacement with a metal socket. This is sometimes held together with screws or cement.

·       A plastic, ceramic, or metal spacer gets inserted between the new ball and the socket to make a smooth gliding surface.

After surgery, you may be in the hospital for one to two days, but there is a chance you may get to go home the day of the surgery. Your hip replacement specialist will encourage you to use a walker. The recovery time varies depending on each patient, but with gradual improvement, recovery should take three months. 

How a Knee Replacement Surgeon Operates 

When it comes to knee replacements, you may either need a partial knee replacement or a total knee replacement. Three compartments make up the knee: the medial compartment (inside part of the knee), the lateral compartment (outside part of the knee), and the patellofemoral compartment (the front of the knee between the kneecap and thighbone). When one or two of the three compartments needs to be replaced, that is a partial knee replacement. If all three compartments need to be replaced, that is a full knee replacement. 

With a full knee replacement surgery, Dr. Gilbert and the EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region staff offer many surgical options that include:

·       Total Knee Replacements (minimally invasive, robotic, or computer-assisted)

·       Joint Resurfacing Procedures

·       Osteotomies

·       Staged and Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Replacements

A traditional full knee replacement involves four steps:

·       A vertical incision is made over the knee to expose the joint.

·       The damaged cartilage surfaces are removed, as well as some small areas of underlying bone.

·       Implants replace the removed cartilage and bone. If applicable, the kneecap is also resurfaced with a plastic button.

·       A special polymer plastic spacer is inserted between the components to ensure smooth movement.

A partial knee replacement procedure undergoes a similar procedure, except all the healthy cartilage, bones, and ligaments stay preserved.

The success rate of both surgeries is high. Full knee replacement tends to have a higher success rate where 90% offer pain relief and 90% still function after 20 years. For a partial knee replacement, about 90% of partial knee replacements are functional after 10 years and approximately 70% are functional after 25 years. 

After a knee replacement, your knee replacement surgeon will guide you in your recovery. The recovery time may vary depending on each case. Typically, it will take up to three months to return to daily activities and six months to a year before your knee will be at its strongest. 

When Should a Joint Specialist Be Seen?

If you are unsure when to see a hip replacement specialist or knee replacement doctor, the following symptoms are good indications to schedule an appointment:

·       Pain makes daily tasks difficult

·       You have pain or stiffness when lying down

·       Even with medication or injections, you still have pain

·       Support devices like canes or walkers do not give relief

·       No improvement from physical therapy

·       There is significant inflammation or swelling

With Dr. Gilbert’s expertise as a hip replacement surgeon and knee replacement surgeon, he can diagnose, recommend, and treat your specific condition with an action plan so you can Emerge Stronger, Healthier, Better.

To learn more about hip and knee replacement surgery, request a consultation with Dr. Brett Gilbert, or call us at 919-220-5255.