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Center for Advanced Joint Replacement

Is Joint Replacement Surgery Right for You?

"I wish I had done it sooner."

This sentiment is expressed over and over again by people who have undergone hip- or knee-replacement surgery at Christiana Care's Center for Advanced Joint Replacement. Joint replacement is often indicated as a "last resort," but that doesn't mean you need to suffer needlessly. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Does the pain in your hip or knee make it difficult for you to sleep at night?
  • Have you tried medications to ease the pain but they are no longer helping?
  • Is the pain from your arthritis affecting your ability to do the things you enjoy?
  • Do you have a hard time keeping up with friends or family at the mall, at the theater, or on outings?
  • Are you doing less of the things you enjoy because of your arthritis pain?
  • Does the pain make it difficult to enjoy time with your grandchildren?
  • Is it difficult to get out of a chair, go up stairs, get off the toilet or pick something up from the floor?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then your next step should be to arrange for a consultation with one of our experienced orthopaedic surgeons. This is your opportunity to learn more about surgical options to relieve your pain and get you back to the life you want to live. You won't be pressured to opt for surgery. Instead, you will be given a personal evaluation and the advice of an experienced doctor that will empower you to make an informed decision. Your surgeon may recommend non-surgical options as well, such as medically supervised weight management or physical therapy.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Print out these questions and bring them with you when you meet with an orthopaedic surgeon:

  • Am I a good candidate for joint replacement surgery? What makes a good candidate?
  • What alternatives to surgery should I consider? How effective might they be?
  • How will surgery help my particular problem?
  • What are the risks involved? How likely are they?
  • What can I expect if I delay or choose not to have surgery?
  • What types of physical activity would I be able to engage in after the surgery?
  • How long is the recovery process?
  • What is involved in the recovery process?
  • Will more surgery be necessary? If so, when?
  • Can you give me the name of someone else who has undergone this surgery who would be willing to discuss it with me?
  • Are you board-certified?

  • How many times have you performed this operation?

Evaluating a Program

An experienced, skilled surgeon is one of the most important components of a successful joint replacement. But a well-designed program staffed by a team that specializes in joint-replacement surgery can make a big impact on your recovery, your comfort and your peace of mind.

The Center for Advanced Joint Replacement benefits from a talented staff that understands the special needs of joint-replacement patients. They care for more than 1,500 joint-replacement patients each year. From beginning to end, their goal is to ensure that you receive the best care, and that your joint-replacement surgery is a positive experience.

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Christiana Care Health System PO Box 1668, Wilmington, DE 19899 Contact Us www.christianacare.org
Christiana Care is a private not-for-profit regional health care system and relies in part on the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations to fulfill its mission. To learn more about how you can support our mission, please visit christianacare.org/donors.