A joint is where two or more bones come together in your body, like the knee and shoulder. Sometimes, joints can be damaged by arthritis and other diseases, injuries, or other causes. When this occurs, you may need to consider joint replacement surgery, where an orthopaedic surgeon removes all or part of the damaged joint and puts in a new one. Replacing a joint can relieve pain and help you move and feel better.
Here, you can learn about:
- How to prevent and handle falls
- What happens during and after reverse shoulder replacement surgery
- Recovering from knee replacement surgery
- The importance of physical therapy in recovering from joint replacement surgery
- The difference between malunion vs nonunion fractures
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#8153 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(60021) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "958" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-04-09 12:00:27" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-04-09 17:00:27" ["post_content"]=> string(3157) "If joint pain has slowed you down and stopped you from doing things you love, it's time to get back in motion. Surgery or medical treatment is only the first step in repairing joint damage. Physical therapy is next to help you get the most benefit from your surgery and return to an active lifestyle. While managing pain and getting back on your feet (literally) can be incentive enough to consider physical therapy, it's also important to know what to expect during your rehabilitation journey.What Are the Goals of Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy lets you take the next step in getting back to feeling normal and mobile again. After treatment for a joint condition or injury, you will likely undergo outpatient physical therapy provided by specialists at a certified rehabilitation center. Whether you've undergone knee, hip, or shoulder replacement surgery or are struggling with chronic joint pain, physical therapy is essential to your recovery. Physical therapy helps you build:
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Range of motion
- Regain function
- Reduce pain
- Prevent future injury
What Happens During Physical Therapy?
Progressive exercises are they key component of a physical therapy program after a total joint replacement. These exercises are tailored to your:- Injury
- Limitations
- Recovery goals.
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Joint mobilization
- Specific guided exercises
What to Expect During Physical Therapy
Physical therapy exists to help you get the most benefit from your surgery and return to an active lifestyle. While managing pain and getting back on your feet (literally) can be incentive enough to consider physical therapy, it’s also important to know what to expect during your rehabilitation journey. Read more to discover the benefits of and what to expect during physical therapy after surgery or medical treatment.Read More
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#8144 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(60451) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "958" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-04-08 12:47:52" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-04-08 17:47:52" ["post_content"]=> string(4086) "Do you have shoulder pain that keeps you up at night? Has it gotten difficult to comb your hair or reach up to the top shelf? Rotator cuff injuries are a common cause of shoulder pain, and new surgical options give you choices for treating even severe injuries. Depending upon your doctor's recommendations, you may opt for traditional shoulder replacement or a newer procedure known as a reverse shoulder replacement.How the Shoulder Works
Your shoulder joint is made up of three bones:
- The collarbone
- The shoulder bone
- The bone of your upper arm
Rotator cuff injury causes
Repetitive arm motion, arthritis, and certain sports can lead to rotator cuff injuries. Arthritis compounds the pain and difficulty of a rotator cuff injury.What Is Shoulder Surgery?
When the pain becomes severe or you lose most of your mobility in your shoulder, your doctor may recommend shoulder replacement surgery. You have two shoulder surgery options:- Traditional total shoulder replacement, which replaces the arm bone and the shoulder socket
- Newer reverse shoulder replacement
What Is a Reverse Shoulder Replacement?
In reverse shoulder replacement surgery, the ball is replaced with a socket, and the socket is replaced with a ball. A rounded joint piece, the ball, is attached to the shoulder bone, and a cup-shaped piece, the socket, replaces the top of the arm bone.Who is a candidate for reverse shoulder replacement surgery?
Your doctor may recommend this surgery if you have severe damage to your rotator cuff or the muscles don't work properly, as with cases of rheumatoid arthritis. In a traditional shoulder replacement, the limited range of your rotator cuff would also affect the movement you can regain after surgery. With the reverse shoulder replacement, your deltoid muscle, the large muscle group that forms the contour of your shoulder, is used to move your arm. You may be able to regain more overhead reach with this surgery than the traditional. Reverse shoulder replacements now make up about half of all shoulder replacement surgeries. As with any major surgery, it will take months to recover along with a rigorous rehabilitation program. Physical therapy after surgery will help you lift your arm and regain as much ability to reach overhead as possible. Do you have a shoulder injury that is causing you chronic pain? Make an appointment to speak with an expert with UPMC Orthopaedic Care. Find out what options are available to you and how you can live pain-free. " ["post_title"]=> string(45) "What Is Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery?" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(146) "In cases of a severe rotator cuff injury, coupled with arthritis in the shoulder, a reverse shoulder replacement may be the best treatment option." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(36) "reverse-shoulder-replacement-surgery" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-04-18 14:18:23" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-04-18 18:18:23" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=60451" ["menu_order"]=> int(815) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(478) "If you have shoulder pain that keeps you up at night or makes it difficult to comb your hair, you may be experiencing a rotator cuff injury. These are a common cause of shoulder pain, but there are many treatment options to consider. Depending upon your doctor’s recommendations, you may opt for traditional shoulder replacement or a newer procedure known as a reverse shoulder replacement. Read more to learn about the reverse shoulder replacement procedure and its benefits." }What Is Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
If you have shoulder pain that keeps you up at night or makes it difficult to comb your hair, you may be experiencing a rotator cuff injury. These are a common cause of shoulder pain, but there are many treatment options to consider. Depending upon your doctor’s recommendations, you may opt for traditional shoulder replacement or a newer procedure known as a reverse shoulder replacement. Read more to learn about the reverse shoulder replacement procedure and its benefits.Read More
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#7758 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(60461) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "958" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-04-02 12:47:58" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-04-02 16:47:58" ["post_content"]=> string(3769) "This article was last updated on August 2, 2016 Your doctor will exhaust every option to treat shoulder pain before recommending surgery. But sometimes, surgery is an option to help improve function and decrease pain in your shoulder. Although the surgery itself usually takes just a couple hours, recovering from shoulder replacement surgery can take months to well over a year. You’ll go through a physical therapy program, as well as follow an exercise plan at home. According to Craig Mauro, MD, how well you stick to these plans will determine how successful, and how fast, your recovery is.Recovery Immediately After Shoulder Replacement Surgery
After surgery, you’ll likely go home after a couple days in the hospital. You will have a sling on your arm to protect and support your shoulder. Physical therapy often starts right away. At first a therapist will help you do passive movement exercises, which means you will relax and let the therapist move your arm for you. You shouldn’t use your shoulder muscles for a few weeks after surgery. The main goal of early physical therapy is to help the patient to begin to perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and driving. Although the exercises may seem minor at first, they are important to keeping your shoulder loose, and they set the foundation for more advanced exercises. Dr. Mauro cautions to watch for signs of infection and to be sure to take care of the incision site. Call your doctor if you have:
- A fever over 100.5 degrees
- Drainage from the incision
- Pain that can’t be managed with the medication given
RELATED: What Is Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Recovery a Few Weeks After Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Your doctor will tell you when it’s safe to begin using your shoulder muscles again. You can expect to have about six weeks of limited activity following shoulder replacement surgery. After the first six weeks, you will likely do some stretching and strengthening exercises with a therapist. You will move on to more challenging exercises after about three months.RELATED: What to Expect During Physical Therapy
Recovery Three to Six Months After Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Physical therapy will often last three to six months after surgery. It may take a year or more to maximize recovery of overhead motion. Your eventual ability to raise your arm over your head depends on the damage in your shoulder and your range of motion before surgery, as well as your participation in physical therapy after the surgery. Your doctor will give you guidelines for limiting the stress on your shoulder joint to keep the parts from wearing out and to help prevent injury. Your doctor will also monitor you in the coming years to be sure the implant is working properly. Are you living with shoulder pain? Speak with an expert with UPMC Orthopaedic Care to find out if shoulder surgery may be right for you, or if there are other options that may help you regain your full range of motion. Call 1-866-987-ORTHO (6784) to schedule an appointment to speak with an expert " ["post_title"]=> string(49) "What to Expect After Shoulder Replacement Surgery" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(154) "After shoulder replacement surgery, you will have weeks of limited activity followed by months of physical therapy. Learn more about the recovery process." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(37) "shoulder-replacement-surgery-recovery" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-09-24 11:00:54" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-09-24 15:00:54" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=60461" ["menu_order"]=> int(822) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(402) "Although the surgery takes a few hours, recovering from shoulder replacement surgery takes months to over a year. You’ll go through a physical therapy program, as well as follow an exercise plan at home. How well you stick to these plans will determine how much range of motion you recover and how fast. Read more to discover what you should expect while recovering from shoulder replacement surgery." }What to Expect After Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Although the surgery takes a few hours, recovering from shoulder replacement surgery takes months to over a year. You’ll go through a physical therapy program, as well as follow an exercise plan at home. How well you stick to these plans will determine how much range of motion you recover and how fast. Read more to discover what you should expect while recovering from shoulder replacement surgery.Read More
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#8142 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(60551) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "958" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-04-11 15:46:12" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-04-11 20:46:12" ["post_content"]=> string(3268) "Most people have knee replacement surgery when they can no longer tolerate the pain or limitations caused by arthritis in the joint. Even after undergoing knee surgery, there is still a long road ahead in terms of physical therapy to work with your new knee. Your recovery process will involve getting back some range of motion and being able to go about your daily activities.Knee Replacement Surgery
In knee replacement surgery, the orthopaedic surgeon will remove the arthritic surfaces in the knee. The surgeon then resurfaces the bottom of the thighbone and the top of the shinbone with artificial surfaces lined with metal and plastic. The surgery is usually performed on one knee at a time.Recovery 1 Week After Knee Replacement Surgery
Right after surgery, you will receive antibiotics and pain medicine. Most people can walk with crutches or a walker within a day or two. You'll spend a few days in the hospital and will start basic physical therapy exercises to help you bend your knee.Recovery a Few Weeks After Your Knee Replacement
You will have an exercise program to follow while at home and be recommended for an outpatient or at-home physical therapy program. The main goal of these programs is to be able to bend your knee at least 90 degrees. More movement depends on how well you follow an exercise program and how much mobility you had before surgery. Exercise regularly at home to build strength, flexibility, and endurance. Your doctor may recommend some exercises such as:
- Swimming
- Riding a stationary bike
- Walking
Continued Knee Replacement Recovery
Physical therapy will last for at least 3 to 6 months after surgery. Staying active and controlling your weight are the best ways to aid your recovery and keep your knee strong. A replacement knee joint usually lasts about 15 years. Advancements in the implant materials may give you an even longer life from your joint. The more you care for your joint, the longer it will last. If you begin activities that place a lot of stress on the joint or are younger than 60, the parts will wear out faster, and you may need to undergo another replacement. Knee replacement surgery is intended to help you get back to daily activities and some exercises or sports you played before your knee was damaged. The surgery does not restore the same level of function you had before your knee was damaged. " ["post_title"]=> string(35) "Your Knee Replacement Recovery Plan" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(155) "You will be able to use a walker or crutches a few days after knee replacement surgery. Find out how you can regain mobility and return to daily activities" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(25) "knee-replacement-recovery" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-04-18 14:20:10" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-04-18 18:20:10" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=60551" ["menu_order"]=> int(811) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(333) "After choosing to undergo knee replacement surgery, there is still a long road ahead in terms of physical therapy to work with your new knee. Your recovery process will involve getting back some range of motion so you are able to go about your daily activities. Read more to discover what to expect during each step of your recovery." }Your Knee Replacement Recovery Plan
After choosing to undergo knee replacement surgery, there is still a long road ahead in terms of physical therapy to work with your new knee. Your recovery process will involve getting back some range of motion so you are able to go about your daily activities. Read more to discover what to expect during each step of your recovery.Watch Now
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#8158 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(58231) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-03-20 15:35:06" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-03-20 19:35:06" ["post_content"]=> string(4298) "Rest and immobilization are typically prescribed to allow for natural bone healing after a fracture. This strategy, along with forms of casting, can help rehabilitate many different fractures with minimal complications. However, in some cases, bones do not heal properly even after traditionally effective treatments. Malunion and nonunion fractures are two types of bone healing complications. These can often occur as a result of a significant trauma. These complex fractures make restoring function after injury a challenge. Both malunion and nonunion fractures can occur following damage to any of the body's 206 bones. MaCalus V. Hogan, MD, from the UPMC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery explains, "The treatment of fracture malunions and nonunions often requires an orthopaedic surgical team approach. The keys to successful treatment are early identification of the problem, and initiation of a treatment plan geared toward improving patient function, recovery, and return to their normal activities of daily living." To help further explain these conditions, consult the following condition and treatment overviews.RELATED: What Are Stress Fractures?
Malunion Fracture
A malunion occurs when a fractured bone heals in an abnormal position. Depending on the severity, additional malunion symptoms can include:
- Reduced functioning in the affected area
- Discomfort
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
Surgical Treatment Options for a Malunion Fracture
Surgical procedures can help realign severe cases of malunion. An orthopaedic surgical procedure called an osteotomy is commonly used to restore the appropriate alignment of bones that have not healed properly. Surgeons can perform the techniques below in an osteotomy to correct a malunion:- Shortening
- Lengthening
- Realignment
Nonunion Fracture
A nonunion occurs when a fractured bone fails to heal after an extended recovery period. In some cases a bone may require up to nine months to completely heel. If your doctor or surgeon does not see any signs of progressive healing over this extended period of time, you may have a nonunion. In these cases, the body does not produce the necessary bone tissue to repair the broken bone. Depending on the severity of the nonunion, symptoms also can include:- Reduced functioning in the affected area
- Discomfort
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
Surgical Treatments Options for a Nonunion Fracture
To repair a nonunion, orthopaedic surgeons may aim to:- Restore damaged bones and tissues around the nonunion.
- Fill bone gaps with plates and stabilize the bone.
- Stimulate bone healing using bone-grafts.
Malunion vs. Nonunion Fractures
Do you know the difference between malunion and nonunion fractures? Usually, bones heal naturally with rest and immobilization, but in some cases, they do not heal even after traditionally effective treatments. Malunion and nonunion fractures are two types of bone healing complications that often occur after significant trauma. Read more to better understand these complications and your treatment options.Read More
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#8160 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(51711) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2014-12-20 11:00:35" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2014-12-20 16:00:35" ["post_content"]=> string(3564) "According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injuries among older adults. In fact, in 2012, around 2.4 million falls were treated in emergency departments throughout the nation and more than 722,000 of these patients were hospitalized. Older adults who receive injuries as a result of a fall may find themselves in need of long-term care or a stay in a rehabilitative facility. And in some cases, falls can be fatal. The most common injuries that occur from falls include fractures of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand. While serious, the next statistic may open your eyes even more. Again, the CDC notes that from 2006–2010, falls were the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) for all age groups, although most occur in the youngest and oldest demographics. To put that into perspective, falls account for more than 40 percent of all TBIs in the nation; more than automobile accidents, assaults, and being struck or hit by an object combined. Check out our tips below to help you prevent and handle falls.Tips to Prevent Tripping
If you have questions about this information, please talk with your nurse, therapist, or doctor.
- Lighting. Have bright lighting in your home. Bright light helps you to avoid tripping over objects that are hard to see. Be sure the stairs are well lit. Put night lights in the bedroom, hallways, and bathroom.
- Rugs and cords. Fasten rugs firmly to the floor, or use rugs with non-skid backing. Tack down all loose ends on rugs. Move electrical cords from areas of the floor where you walk.
- Grab bars. Install grab bars in the bathroom. Put them in the bath and shower and next to the toilet. Do not hold onto towel bars or soap dishes when you move in the bathroom. These items may not be strong enough to support you.
- Hand rails. Avoid using stairs without hand rails. Install sturdy hand rails on all stairs.
- Kitchen items. Place kitchen items within easy reach. Do not store things too high or too low. When things are easy to reach, you will not need to use a step ladder or a stool. You also can avoid reaching and bending over when things are easily reachable.
- Footwear. Wear shoes and slippers that fit well and have firm, non-skid soles. Do not wear loose-fitting shoes or slippers.
» Watch our Medical Mondays segment on preventing falls among seniors and find additional fall-related articles. If you're an older adult or are caring for an older adult, it's important to monitor your health and changing health needs. Visit the Geriatric Services at UPMC department online or call 1-800-533-UPMC to schedule an appointment. " ["post_title"]=> string(40) "6 Tips for Preventing and Handling Falls" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(149) "Learn more about how to prevent falls and when to seek help if you do by reviewing our easy tips, and check out our infographic to help handle falls." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(32) "6-tips-preventing-handling-falls" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=51711" ["menu_order"]=> int(944) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(461) "In 2012, around 2.4 million falls were treated in emergency departments throughout the nation and more than 722,000 of those patients needed hospitalization as a result. The most common injuries that occur from falls include fractures of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand. Some can be even more severe, like traumatic brain injury or even a fatality. Read more to discover how to prevent yourself and your loved ones from falling." }
6 Tips for Preventing and Handling Falls
In 2012, around 2.4 million falls were treated in emergency departments throughout the nation and more than 722,000 of those patients needed hospitalization as a result. The most common injuries that occur from falls include fractures of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand. Some can be even more severe, like traumatic brain injury or even a fatality. Read more to discover how to prevent yourself and your loved ones from falling.Read More