From an interview with
Dr. Eric Heimberger
McLeod Orthopaedics Seacoast

In general, a total joint replacement involves replacing a diseased joint with a new prosthesis. Whether it be a hip, knee or shoulder, the bad portion of the joint is removed and is replaced with a metal or plastic prosthesis. A joint replacement procedure typically lasts for about an hour, but can vary depending on which joint is replaced. The most common joints we replace are hips, knees, and shoulders, with knee replacements being the most common, followed by hip replacements and then shoulder replacements. On average, these patients are up and walking the same day and do physical therapy for about four to six weeks afterwards, so typically, the recovery time is about six or eight weeks. 

The time to see an orthopedic surgeon for your hip or knee pain or shoulder pain is when the pain is worsening, despite conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, modifying your activity at home. When that fails and the pain is worsening, then you should come see us.

Nowadays, patients do go home the same day of surgery. In fact, it’s fairly common. Probably three quarters of my patients go home the same day of surgery, whether it be a hip or knee replacement. 

When patients get enrolled into our total joint program, it’s a comprehensive program that starts way before the surgery, which includes a pre-op visit in our office, and then they have a total joint class at the hospital. At that class, they’re basically told about what to expect during the procedure and what to wear, what medications to take and stop and hold. Their physical therapy is arranged for them. Then they have their surgery, and then after surgery, they have physical therapy, which is all part of our total joint program. 

Total joint replacements are great procedures for patients who have failed conservative treatment. It certainly allows them to regain normal function of their joint and get rid of the pain they’ve been experiencing for years and resume a better quality of life.

To learn more, speak with an orthopedic surgeon near you.