Joint Care in
New Jersey

If you’re suffering from joint pain or mobility issues, it may be time to contact an orthopedic expert. Our orthopedic team is dedicated to addressing a wide range of conditions affecting the muscles, bones, joints and connective tissues.

It may be time to seek care from an orthopedic specialist if you have:

• Changes in the appearance of a joint, like a straight has started to bow
• Chronic joint pain lasting for months or years
• New joint pain that isn’t improving on its own
• Difficulty shifting positions, like moving from sitting to standing
• Limited mobility, including trouble walking, climbing stairs, reaching overhead, or experiencing pain during exercise
• Dependence on a cane, walker or wheelchair due to pain or mobility concerns
• Frequent use of over-the-counter pain relievers to manage joint discomfort
• Severe pain that disrupts your sleep

A total joint replacement (also known as arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure performed by an orthopedic surgeon. During the procedure, the arthritic or damaged areas of the joint are removed and replaced with a metal or plastic device. This device is designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint. Hip and knee replacements are the most common joint replacements, but replacement surgery can be performed on other joints, such as the ankle, wrist, shoulder and elbow.

Joint replacement is a safe and effective procedure with more than one million joint replacements being performed in the U.S. each year. A hip or knee replacement done today can last for 20 or more years.

Joint replacement can be a life-changing procedure for those who have been struggling with chronic joint pain. The first step is to meet with an orthopedic doctor. They can use diagnostic imaging and a physical examination to diagnose your particular condition.

Depending on your results, an orthopedic specialist may recommend joint replacement surgery if:

• You suffer from limited mobility, swelling or stiffness that severely limits your daily activities and quality of life.
• You have already tried other non-surgical joint pain treatments, such as exercise modifications, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, injections and braces.
• You continue to experience a decline in function and disabling pain.

Our surgeons use many of the latest treatments and newest technologies to perform less-invasive procedures.

Mako SmartRobotics™ is an innovative solution for patients suffering from painful arthritis of the knee or hip. Mako uses 3D computerized tomography (CT) based planning software so your surgeon can know more about your specific anatomy to create a personalized joint replacement surgical plan. This 3D model is used to pre-plan and assist your surgeon in performing your joint replacement.

The anterior approach to hip replacement, or total hip arthroplasty, allows doctors to perform a hip replacement surgery with a minimally invasive technique. This technique uses a smaller incision on the front (anterior) of the hip rather than the back or side. This generally results in less trauma to the tissue under the skin, which means less pain and a faster recovery.

Recovery varies from patient to patient and is dependent on a number of factors, including the type of procedure performed, and the patient’s age, weight, and activity level. Some patients who receive joint replacement are able to return home the same day as surgery while others may require a short overnight stay in the hospital. It is typically expected that the patient is able to independently get in and out of bed, get dressed and use the toilet at the time of discharge.

Many joint replacement patients are routinely standing and walking within a day or two of surgery with the aid of an assistive device such as a cane, walker or crutches. Some patients are even walking the same day as surgery. Most patients are able to resume driving within 2-8 weeks once they have discontinued use of opioid pain medications and have received approval from their doctor.

The timeline for a patient to return to work will vary. Someone with a sedentary job may be able to return to work within a few weeks, while someone with a more physically demanding job will require a longer recovery before returning to work. Every person’s anatomy and situation are unique, so it’s important to discuss your specific recovery timeline with your orthopedic surgeon.

At Mountainside Medical Center, our expert staff and orthopedic team are committed to providing excellent care throughout joint surgery experience. Our team approach starts with the patient and includes the surgeon, the patient’s primary care physician, the hospital, certified orthopedics nurses, and rehabilitation and office staff. Together, we will carefully plan your care with the goal of a speedy and successful journey to recovery. The healthcare process can be daunting, but that’s why we developed The Total Joint Program to answer your questions, assist you in the process, and provide you the resources you’ll need to resume your normal activities again.

We provide a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Joint camp, which teaches patients what to expect before, during and after a joint replacement.
• Advanced technologies and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes.
• A full continuum of care, such as therapy services and rehabilitation.

Make an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists by calling 888-973-4674. During your appointment, we will perform a full evaluation to determine the best treatment option for you.