Joint Replacement

Total joint replacement is a surgery where a damaged joint—most commonly the hip or knee—is removed and replaced with artificial parts (implants) designed to move smoothly. It’s usually recommended when arthritis or joint damage causes pain, stiffness, and loss of function that hasn’t improved with treatments like medications, injections, physical therapy, or activity changes. The goal is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help you return to daily activities with better comfort and stability.

A “bikini incision” hip replacement usually refers to an anterior hip replacement where the incision is made horizontally along the natural crease of the groin. Because it follows the skin fold, the scar may be less noticeable than a traditional vertical incision. It’s important to know that this is still a standard total hip replacement—the “bikini” term mainly describes where the incision is placed for cosmetic reasons, not a different implant or a completely different type of surgery. Whether this approach is right for you depends on your anatomy, condition, and your surgeon’s recommendation.

Robotic knee replacement is a knee replacement surgery where your surgeon uses a robotic-assisted system to help plan and position the implant more precisely.

• Before surgery: The team may use imaging (often a CT scan or other mapping method, depending on the system) to create a 3D plan of your knee.
• During surgery: The surgeon is still fully in control. The robotic system provides real-time guidance and may help the surgeon make bone cuts and place the implant according to the plan, while also allowing adjustments based on your knee’s alignment and stability.
• Why it’s used: The main goal is improved accuracy and consistency in implant positioning and alignment, which may help with knee function and feel for some patients.
• What it is not: The robot does not do the surgery by itself—think of it as a highly advanced guidance tool.

Whether robotic knee replacement is a good option depends on your anatomy, arthritis severity, overall health, and surgeon recommendation.

Hip or knee revision surgery is a procedure to fix or replace parts of a joint replacement that’s no longer working well. It’s different from a first-time (primary) joint replacement because the surgeon is dealing with an existing implant and any changes to the bone or soft tissues around it.

Common reasons someone may need a revision include:

• Wear or loosening of the implant over time
• Infection around the joint replacement
• Dislocation/instability (more common in hips)
• Stiffness or ongoing pain that’s linked to the implant or surrounding tissue
• Fracture around the implant (periprosthetic fracture) after a fall or injury
• Implant failure or malposition (less common)

What happens in revision surgery?
Your surgeon may remove and replace one component (like the plastic liner) or multiple components (the metal parts), and may also address bone loss with specialized implants or bone grafting. Revision surgery is typically more complex than the original replacement, but the goal is the same: reduce pain, improve stability, and restore function.

Shoulder replacement surgery is a procedure used to relieve pain and restore function when the shoulder joint is severely damaged—most often from arthritis, a complex fracture, or an irreparable rotator cuff problem. In a shoulder replacement, the surgeon removes the worn or damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with smooth artificial components (implants) that allow the shoulder to move more comfortably. Depending on your condition, you may be a candidate for a total shoulder replacement or a reverse shoulder replacement. The goal is to reduce pain, improve range of motion and strength, and help you get back to daily activities with greater comfort.

Elbow replacement surgery (also called total elbow arthroplasty) is a procedure where a damaged elbow joint is replaced with smooth artificial parts (implants) to help relieve pain and restore function. It’s most often recommended when the elbow is severely worn or damaged—such as from advanced arthritis, complex fractures, or long-term joint problems—and other treatments haven’t provided enough relief. During surgery, the damaged ends of the upper arm bone (humerus) and forearm bone (ulna) are reshaped and fitted with metal and plastic components that work together to create a stable, moving joint. The goal is improved comfort and motion for daily activities, followed by a guided rehabilitation plan to help you heal safely.