When pain becomes intolerable, artificial hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow joints may provide pain relief while maintaining joint motion. Our physicians have extensive training in total joint replacement.  To better meet the needs of our community, we are pleased to announce that we have expanded our providers to include this specialty of care.

Lex A. Simpson, M.D., is Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery. He specializes in total joint replacement.

What is Total Joint Replacement?
An arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint (prosthetic).

What is a Joint?
A joint is formed by the ends of two or more bones which are connected by thick tissues.

The bone ends of a joint are covered with cartilage. Normal cartilage allows pain-free movement. When the cartilage is damaged or diseased by arthritis, joints become stiff and painful.

Why is Total Joint Replacement necessary?
The goal is to relieve the pain in the joint caused by the damage done to the cartilage. The pain may be so severe that a person will avoid using the joint, thus weakening the muscles around the joint. A physical evaluation, laboratory tests and x-rays can show the extent of damage to the joint. Total joint replacement will be considered if other treatment options will not relieve your pain and disability.

How long does it last?
Older adults can expect their total joint replacement to last a decade or more. It can provide pain-free living for a number of years. Younger adults may need a second joint replacement in the future. Medical advances and surgical techniques are improving through the efforts of research in medicine related to orthopaedics.

Learn more about Total Hip Replacement
Learn more about Total Knee Replacement
Learn more about Total Shoulder Replacement
Learn more about Total Elbow Replacement

For additional information and specifics regarding total joint replacement click here.