Joint Replacement Center of Excellence
Our Fellowship-Trained Joint Replacement Specialists
Ronald D. Gardner, MD: Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Reconstructive Surgery
Fletcher A. Reynolds, MD: Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement of the Shoulder, Hip & Knee
Charles P. Springer, MD: Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement of the Shoulder, Hip & Knee
People living with advanced arthritis or other degenerative joint diseases that are unable to successfully manage pain with medications, modification of activity or physical therapy may be ideal candidates for joint replacement surgery. The surgery is typically considered an elective procedure, which means the decision is made by you together with your Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida surgeon.
Due to a variety of factors, orthopedic surgeons are seeing younger patients who require joint replacement surgery. Today’s joint implants are designed to provide long lasting relief. The goal is to find the implant that best matches the patient’s lifestyle needs and eliminate the pain of arthritis.
What are the deciding factors to have joint replacement surgery? Your orthopedic surgeon will educate you about the procedure and its potential benefits, side effects and complications. Once you have the knowledge needed to make an informed decision, your surgeon will count on you to determine when the pain becomes unbearable.
Many factors for deciding on joint replacement surgery include:
- A reduction in your ability to work or enjoy hobbies and recreational activities
- Persistent pain even when your joint is at rest, making sleep difficult
- Experiencing substantial pain even after undergoing non-surgical treatment options, such as medication and physical therapy
- Avoiding the use of your afflicted joint because of significant pain; this may lead to other health problems like weight gain due to lack of exercise
- Reaching a point where it seems your pain controls your entire life
The key to deciding if you should have the surgery is weighing the benefits and risks through open communication with your physician.
We invite you to schedule an appointment to talk with us about whether joint replacement is your best option.