Same or next-day appointments are often available!
Appointments:
(574) 800-1623
Same or next-day appointments are often available!
Appointments:
(574) 800-1623
Joint pain can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of your life. Whether it’s your knees or hips, knowing when to consider surgery and understanding your options can make all the difference. When you book an appointment with my team, we’ll get an understanding of your situation, talk with you about your options, and discuss whether surgery is right for you.
There are several key signs that indicate you might need joint replacement surgery:
Before considering surgery, there are several non-surgical treatments that may help manage joint pain and improve function:
Tailored exercises to strengthen muscles around the joint, improve range of motion, and reduce stiffness.
Weight loss, joint protection techniques, and the use of assistive devices to reduce stress on the joint.
Alternative therapies that some individuals find helpful in managing joint pain and improving function.
Some people find relief with glucosamine, chondroitin, or fish oil supplements, although evidence of their effectiveness varies.
Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and Aleve can help manage mild to moderate joint pain and inflammation; acetaminophen can also be used for pain management.
Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections directly into the joint to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
Creams, gels, or patches applied to the skin over the joint for localized pain relief.
My team and I can help you identify what your best next steps should be. Schedule a consultation to get started.
Everyone wants to avoid surgery. However, many of the alternatives offered simply don’t work as promised. While I’m happy to discuss all options with my patients, here are a few therapies I do not recommend. In my experience, they are typically not covered by insurance and do not lead to the pain relief or restored mobility they advertise.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which involves processing a patient’s blood to concentrate platelets and injecting them to stimulate healing, is another common approach. While often praised for speeding recovery and reducing pain, I do not recommend PRP therapy, as it frequently fails to deliver the expected results, leaving patients disappointed and still in need of conventional surgical options.
Stem Cell Injections
Stem cell injections are touted as a way to use the body’s own stem cells to repair damaged tissues, with claims of enhanced recovery for arthritic joints. However, I’ve noticed a lack of substantial clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness. It’s disheartening to see patients receive these injections with high hopes, only to find themselves still seeking traditional surgical solutions when outcomes do not meet expectations.
Knee or hip replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged surfaces of the joint with prosthetic components. This can relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life for those with severe knee arthritis or injury. Find more detailed information on knee replacement, including preparation, procedure, and recovery at the links below.
Before your surgery, my team and I will talk with you about exactly what will happen and provide you with resources to guide you through your experience. Here’s a general overview of what to expect.
SURGERY
Anesthetics & Nerve Blocks
Most total joints are performed under regional anesthetics, meaning you do not have to sleep during the procedure. Patients are given medications for relaxation. Nerve blocks and injections are given to provide up to 48 hours of pain control after the procedure. Combined with minimally invasive techniques, this allows for less pain and medication use, faster discharge from the facility, and faster recovery.
Procedure Length
Usually, the surgery itself lasts about an hour, during which the damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with a prosthesis made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials.
Procedure Details
Minimally invasive joint reconstruction surgery utilizes smaller incisions, allowing for less tissue damage and quicker healing. During the procedure, advanced imaging and instrumentation guide Dr. Yergler to ensure precision while reconstructing the joint.
Post-Surgery
After surgery, patients will be monitored for any immediate concerns and provided with instructions for pain management and rehabilitation. Most individuals can expect to start moving the joint immediately and should start walking within a few hours of surgery.
RECOVERY
Physical Therapy
This will begin the day of surgery and usually continue for 4–6 weeks. Most patients will return to work before 6 weeks.
At Home
You’ll be given detailed instructions on how to care for your incision and manage pain at home. The incisions are closed without staples, allowing patients to shower the next day.
Full Recovery
Most of the recovery occurs in the first six weeks after surgery, during which you’ll gradually increase your activity level and return to daily routines. You will continue to improve even after the first six weeks, and it may take several months to feel fully recovered.
Follow-Up Appointments
It’s important to attend all recommended follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and function of the joint.
If you had a joint replacement done at another facility and would like an evaluation, we are happy to see you.
In some cases, a joint replacement may need to be revised. This can happen due to wear and tear, infection, or other issues with the prosthesis. Revision surgery can be more complex than the initial procedure, requiring a high level of expertise and careful planning.
I am a highly experienced hip and knee revision specialist. If you’re in persistent pain or are having issues with your joint replacement, schedule a consultation to discuss possible revision surgery.
South Bend Office
53880 Carmichael Dr,
South Bend, IN 46635
Phone: (574) 800-1623
