Joint replacement at UT Health Athens
Living with pain in your joints can be challenging. If you are experiencing pain in your knee, hip or shoulder that is affecting your daily life, it may be time to see an orthopedic specialist to talk about joint replacement surgery. At UT Health Athens working with our independent provider partners, we offer the cutting edge technology of Mako robotic surgery, right here, close to home.
Joint replacement can be a life-changing procedure for those who have been struggling with chronic joint pain. Imagine being able to live your life without pain - a life where you sleep better, regain your independence and can get back to doing the things you enjoy.
Joint replacement is a safe and effective procedure that can improve joint function, reduce pain and enhance quality of life. More than 1 million joint replacements are performed in the U.S. each year, and a hip or knee replacement done today can last for 20 or more years.
At UT Health Athens, our advanced technologies allow for quicker recovery and less pain than joint replacements from just a few years ago. That means we can get you back to your life faster. In the comfort of our community we offer:
- Patient education to teach patients what to expect before, during and after a joint replacement.
- Advanced technologies and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- A full continuum of care, such as therapy services and rehabilitation, including a prehab program.
We offer Mako Robotic-Assisted Surgery. Mako SmartRobotics™ is an innovative solution for many suffering from painful arthritis of the knee or hip. Mako uses 3D CT-based planning software so your surgeon can know more about your specific anatomy to create a personalized joint replacement surgical plan. This 3D model is used to pre-plan and assist your surgeon in performing your joint replacement.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from knee or hip pain caused by arthritis or an injury, and you haven’t experienced relief with traditional treatment options, Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery may be right for you.
During the procedure, your surgeon guides Mako’s robotic arm within the predefined area. Mako technology prevents your surgeon from moving outside the boundaries defined in your surgical plan to help protect your healthy bone. Mako also allows your surgeon to make adjustments to your plan during surgery as needed. It’s important to understand that Mako does not perform surgery, make decisions on its own or move without the surgeon guiding it.
The combination of 3-D scanning and robotically guided cutting helps the physician create a better joint than was previously possible. For the patient, surgery with the new system offers several benefits, including:
- Smaller incision
- Less scarring
- Reduced blood loss
- Shorter hospital stay
- Quicker recovery
- A more natural-feeling knee after less-invasive surgery