Joint Replacements

Video 1: When Should You Consider a Knee Replacement? 
 
Deciding to proceed with knee replacement surgery depends on your underlying diagnosis and how your arthritic knee affects your quality of life. When you reach a point where your lifestyle is significantly diminished, pain has increased, and your ability to perform daily activities is reduced—despite trying conservative measures—it is time to discuss the option of knee replacement. 
 
Many patients see knee replacement as a last resort or the end of the road. However, in today’s world, it is actually one of the most effective treatments to help you regain an active lifestyle. Gone are the days when you had to wait as long as possible for surgery, followed by a week in the hospital and extended time in a nursing home. Modern knee replacement is a cutting-edge procedure that offers a quicker recovery, and you no longer have to delay it. 
 
Video 2: How Has Knee Replacement Changed in the Last 10 Years? 
 
Knee replacement was historically performed in patients over the age of 65 with relatively low-demand lifestyles. The implants and technology available at that time were limited, lasting only 10 to 15 years. Over time, the bearings would wear out, and the plastic components could become loose from the bone. 
 
Significant advancements in knee replacement have occurred in recent years, particularly in the materials and bearings used. These improvements, along with better surgical techniques, have allowed for quicker recovery and rehabilitation. Today, we can perform knee replacement surgery on middle-aged patients in their 50s or 60s who have advanced arthritis and have exhausted conservative treatment options. Many of these surgeries can now be done as outpatient procedures, enabling patients to return to an active lifestyle sooner. 
 
Commonly, patients ask what they can do after a knee replacement. The answer is that they can lead a very active lifestyle, including walking, hiking, traveling, gardening, and going to the gym. However, there are some limitations on activities involving cutting, twisting, or other aggressive movements. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by the level of activity they can achieve after joint replacement. 
 
Video 3 (private) 
 
Video 4: Should I Have a Partial Knee Replacement or Total Knee Replacement? 
 
Patients often ask if they are candidates for a partial or total knee replacement, especially when conservative measures have failed, and joint replacement is being considered. Traditionally, a partial knee replacement involved less surgery and offered quicker recovery. However, with advancements in surgical techniques, a total knee replacement can now achieve similar recovery times, even as an outpatient procedure. 
 
The decision between a partial or total knee replacement depends largely on the type and extent of the disease in the knee. If arthritis is isolated to one part of the knee, and symptoms are limited to that area, a partial knee replacement might be suitable. This decision is made between the patient and their surgeon, considering the risks and benefits. 
 
Video 5 (private) 
 
Video 6: Shared Decision Making in Joint Replacement Surgery at Olympia Orthopedics 
 
I’m Dr. Agtarap, a long-term care provider at Olympia Orthopedics, where I’ve been for 22 years. Over the last 5 to 10 years, I have specialized in knee replacement and previously had a significant focus on hip replacement. Joint replacement has evolved considerably, and one of the key developments we’ve embraced is the concept of “shared decision-making.” 
 
Shared decision-making is a collaborative process between the patient and the provider, focusing on treatment options for conditions like arthritis, which often lead to joint replacement. When a patient becomes part of our practice, we first focus on accurate diagnosis. If arthritis is identified and joint replacement is a viable pathway, shared decision-making becomes crucial. 
 
This process involves multiple visits where we build a relationship, answer the patient’s questions, and discuss treatment options. It is a two-way communication: I, as a physician, explain the problem and possible solutions, while the patient shares their goals and expectations. This process starts with conservative treatment and can lead to discussions about surgical options, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to full joint replacements. 
 
When considering surgery, we discuss the pros and cons of different types of joint replacements, such as partial or full replacements, and the specifics of the implants used. Patients must understand the surgery, feel confident in their care, and be prepared for both the procedure and the recovery. 
 
The preoperative phase, which we call “fitness for surgery,” involves ensuring the patient is medically stable and well-informed. We also emphasize the importance of having a support system in place, like a family member or friend, to help through the process. This “coach” assists with preoperative preparations, postoperative appointments, and daily care following surgery. 
 
Our goal is to engage patients fully in their care, ensuring they understand all aspects of the surgery, recovery, and long-term outcomes. 
 
Video 7: What is SuperPath Hip Replacement at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates? 
 
The SuperPath total hip replacement is a unique surgical technique different from traditional approaches. Unlike the anterior or posterior approaches, this is a “superior” approach that avoids cutting any muscles or tendons and does not dislocate the hip during the procedure. It is built like a “ship in a bottle,” with the hip constructed in place. The recovery time is significantly shorter than with traditional hip replacements, and many of these procedures can be done in an outpatient setting as part of our outpatient total joint replacement program. To learn more about SuperPath, contact Olympia Orthopedic Associates. 
 
Video 8: How Long is the Recovery After a Knee Replacement? 
 
Patients often ask about the recovery period after knee replacement surgery, which can be divided into two categories: returning to work and resuming recreational activities. 
 
For those with desk jobs or home offices, returning to work can be relatively quick—some patients are back to work just a few days post-surgery. On average, office workers can return within a couple of weeks. However, for more physically demanding jobs, such as those requiring movement around a large office or community, a recovery period of four to six weeks may be more appropriate. This decision is made in consultation with your physician. 
 
Regarding recreational activities, most patients can begin re-engaging in their usual activities, such as traveling or going to the gym, by four to six weeks post-surgery. While they may not be at full capacity right away, they will likely see continuous improvement each day as they resume their pre-surgery lifestyles.