This class discusses topics such as admitting process, surgical procedure, hospital routine, equipment uses, pain management, physical and occupational therapy and discharge planning. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get valuable information for a smooth recovery. A normal joint has a covering that allows easy, painless movement. When this covering becomes worn or damaged, bone rubs against bone. This friction causes pain and results in loss of motion and a decrease in weight-bearing capability.
Joint replacements help relieve the pain and restore function.
During a hip joint replacement, the damaged ball and socket mechanism is replaced with a new metal and plastic prosthesis. The prosthesis has the same basic parts as a normal joint, including a ball and stem which is inserted into the thigh bone, and a cup to replace the worn socket. During knee replacement surgery, the bones of the knee joint are resurfaced using a prosthesis to create an artificial joint. One component covers the thigh bone, another covers the top of the shin bone. The third covers the knee cap.