Joint Replacement

When the knee’s articular cartilage becomes damaged, moving the knee becomes painful. It is because the bones are rubbing together instead of gliding over each other. Knee replacement surgery can restore mobility and ease the pain of patients whose knees have degenerated due to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis.

Also known as knee arthroplasty, this procedure aims to alleviate pain and restore movement in the knee using a prosthetic device. It may be recommended for patients who have a:

• Deformed knee
• Moderate knee pain that persists even while resting or sleeping
• Chronic knee swelling or inflammation that medication or rest cannot improve
• Severe pain or stiffness in the knee that prevents them from performing everyday activities

With total knee arthroplasty,  both sides of the knee joint will be replaced. The operation may last up to three hours. After a total knee arthroplasty, the patient may experience improved movement and reduced pain; however, scar tissue will remain, which can make it difficult to bend and move the knee.  

On the other hand, a partial knee replacement will only replace one side of the knee joint. A patient undergoing a total knee replacement surgery will retain less of their natural tissue, bone, and ligaments than a patient undergoing a partial knee replacement surgery. A partial knee replacement may be recommended for individuals who have damaged a single part of the knee. Since it is less invasive, a patient undergoing partial knee replacement surgery may have a shorter hospital stay, a quicker recovery and a higher chance of regaining more natural movement.

Hip replacement surgery (arthroplasty) is a procedure that can alleviate the hip pain and immobility associated with injuries, deformities or diseases such as osteoarthritis.

Suppose you do require total or partial hip replacement surgery, in which the hip replacement surgeon in the San Ramon Valley replaces a worn-out or damaged hip with a prosthesis (an artificial joint). In that case, you can rest assured we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Some of the most common reasons for hip replacement surgery include hip damage, such as a fracture, and osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by the loss of joint cartilage that limits movement, causes pain and inhibits daily activities.

Our surgeons are proud to offer many different minimally invasive hip replacement options, including Mako® robotic-assisted hip replacement  and VELYS™ Hip Arthroplasty Navigation System (technology-based hip replacement). Speak with your surgeon to learn if you may be a candidate for minimally invasive surgical options.

The recovery time after hip replacement varies per individual, and it may also depend on the type of surgery you’ve gone through, whether it’s just a partial or a total hip replacement. A patient may spend one to three days in the hospital after the surgery. This may also depend on whether you choose to undergo a traditional hip replacement or a minimally invasive procedure.

Once you’re discharged from the hospital, please follow your hip replacement surgeon’s instructions regarding performing light exercises and resting. If you need support or assistance, you can take advantage of our physical therapy and rehabilitation services.

The majority of patients can resume their normal daily activities within three to six weeks.  After three months, you may be able to resume participating in low-impact sports. Around four to six months after the procedure, you may be able to function well enough, although the muscles surrounding your hip may still feel weak for up to two years.