Joint Replacement
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Total and Partial Joint Replacement

 

Beacon Bone & Joint offers both traditional and robotic-assisted surgery for joint replacement needs.

Traditional joint replacement surgery repairs and replaces painful, damaged joints such as your knee, hip or shoulder. The surgeon puts in a partial or whole new joint, plus other materials for strength and support. Using the latest in materials and procedures our joint replacement specialists can develop the perfect solution for your individual needs.

In addition to traditional surgery, our specialists are also able to use robotic-assisted techniques for knee replacements. Using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter and microscopic devices, our surgeons can view and treat a damaged knee joint. Benefits of choosing robotic-assisted total knee replacement include:

  • Less time in the hospital.
  • Reduced pain and discomfort.
  • Smaller incisions, resulting in reduced risk of infection and minimal scarring.
  • Faster recovery time and return to normal activities.

Other joint replacement approaches include anterior (front) hip surgery. This provides more direct access to the hip than other methods, such as those from the back. This can help limit discomfort and speed healing.

In all joint replacement cases, your surgeon will evaluate your needs and discuss the best approach for you.

When is it time to consider joint replacement?

When your shoulder hurts during activity. When your knee hurts at the end of the day. When your hip is so sore it makes sitting uncomfortable or pain wakes you up at night. If you are frustrated because you can’t be as mobile as you’d like, it may be time to consider partial or total joint replacement. At Beacon Bone & Joint, you will get accurate evaluation and diagnosis, followed by leading-edge joint replacement procedures.

Our goal is to return you to maximum function. Inpatient and outpatient care options available along with follow-up physical and occupational therapy. That’s convenient, connected care.

Preventative orthopedic care

Our preventive care includes screenings to check your bone and joint health. We also offer classes, events and programs year-round. When accidents happen or age-related arthritis weakens your bones and joints, we help with that, too.

The right care at the right time

Making an appointment should never be a hassle. We’re available to you when and where you need us – online or on the phone. Make your choice and get moving back to health.

Wondering if you need Bone & Joint Care?

Learn more about the symptoms, causes and treatment options.

Hip Replacement

Hip replacement may be an option if your hip pain interferes with daily activities and nonsurgical treatments haven't helped.

Learn More 

Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery can relieve pain and restore function to a knee joint that's severely damaged, usually by arthritis.

Learn More 

Total hip and total knee replacement excellence

Congratulations to Elkhart General Hospital and Memorial Hospital of South Bend. Both Beacon hospitals have earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement Certification. Our teams exceeded rigorous standards and proved their dedication to keeping our communities moving through clinical excellence.

Do I need to stay overnight after surgery?

Several factors will determine whether you stay overnight such as age, medical history, and social support. Some patients can go home the same day if they meet certain criteria. The majority of patients stay overnight and are discharged the morning after surgery.

Do I need to use a walker or cane after surgery?

Most patients will use a walker for a couple weeks after surgery to aid in their mobility.

Does my orthopedic appointment or surgery require pre-authorization?

It depends on your insurance plan. Some, including Workers' Compensation, have pre-authorization requirements that must be met prior to scheduling surgery. In those cases our Nurse Navigators will submit all necessary information to your carrier, and you will be contacted to schedule surgery once we receive approval.

How is my pain controlled after surgery?

General surgical pain can last for several weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will discuss medication options with you.

How much does it cost for orthopedic care or surgery?

It varies based on your insurance. We accept a variety of insurances and payment methods including cash, check or credit. Please remember that your copayment, coinsurance and out-of-pocket responsibilities are due at time of service. If uninsured, please be prepared to pay a minimum of $125 toward the current office visit.

For orthopedic surgeries, our Nurse Navigators will prepare a pre-surgery estimate including deposit requirements that will be due 3 days prior to surgery.

I have a joint problem, do I need X-rays?

Joint problems can be diagnosed by X-ray and this is usually the first step before advanced imaging is ordered. X-rays give useful information for the provider to determine a treatment plan. X-ray is used to assess bone quality and alignment. The doctor can also determine if there is narrowing of the joint space, which can be a sign of arthritis.

I have joint pain, do I need an MRI?

MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, can help determine the underlying cause of your joint pain. An MRI can help doctors see your soft tissue structures that are not visible on plain X-rays. The physician will order an MRI after reviewing your X-rays and performing a clinical evaluation but only if they still need more information to determine your treatment plan. MRIs are not always needed before surgery.

I have joint pain, how often can I have injections?

Steroid injections can be performed every 3 months. Viscosupplementation injections can be performed every 6 months.

I need to see an orthopedic specialist, does everyone require surgery?

No. Many conditions respond well to non-operative measures and require only time, monitoring, or a supervised course of therapy.

What are some of the risks of surgery?

• Infection (wound and prosthesis) • Blood clot • Prosthetic malfunction • Nerve injury

What if I need hand therapy?

If your condition requires it, your doctor will refer you to the occupational therapist of your choice. For those who choose, we also offer certified hand therapy on-site.

What if I need hand, wrist or elbow surgery?

If you require surgery, you will meet with our Nurse Navigator at the end of your appointment. They will review current openings, discuss pre-operative information and schedule your post operative follow-up.

What is the preoperative process before my surgery?

Consultation with a provider for surgical clearance along with a pre-testing appointment. This typically includes checking labs, chest X-ray and heart function if needed.

What should I bring to my first appointment at Beacon Bone & Joint?

Please bring completed patient registration paperwork along with your most current insurance card, a photo ID and method of payment.

When can I drive after surgery?

Patients are usually cleared for driving once they are not taking any opioids and are released by the surgeon. This usually happens 4-8 weeks after surgery.

When can I return to work after surgery?

Unless you are taking opioids, generally patients can return to work 8-12 weeks after surgery.

When do I need a joint replacement?

If you answer yes to these, talk to your provider: • Significant pain that persists despite medication and other conservative therapies; • You can no longer complete daily tasks without help decreasing your quality of life; • You have degenerative changes on X-ray and other signs of osteoarthritis; or • You are no longer as mobile as you would like to be or find yourself avoiding activities to avoid pain.

Where does Beacon Bone & Joint perform surgery?

Most surgeries are performed at the South Bend Specialty Surgery Center and Memorial Hospital of South Bend. Surgery is typically done as an outpatient.

Why turn to the orthopedic specialists at Beacon Bone & Joint?

We are the first called upon for the most challenging of trauma cases. We have certified fellowships including Orthopedic Trauma and Orthopedic Oncology Team physicians for USA Olympic Weightlifting. Also, accessible experts and teachers of the next generation of orthopedic physicians.

We're here for you.

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