If you need joint replacement surgery, the Joint Replacement Program at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health is nationally recognized for its dedication to an exceptional patient experience. It features an experienced team and dedicated orthopaedic facility to help you get back to enjoying your every-day activities. In addition to total and partial knee and hip replacements, other joint surgeries are also performed, including the shoulder, ankle, wrist and elbow.
The Orthopaedic Center at Lancaster General Hospital is a nationally recognized orthopaedic program that is dedicated exclusively to joint replacement and other orthopaedic procedures.
What is Joint Replacement Surgery?
During total joint replacement, surgeons remove parts of arthritic or damaged joints and replace them with metal, plastic or ceramic devices called prostheses. These replacement joints mimic the movement of a normal joint. Your doctor may recommend you see an orthopaedic surgeon when treatments like medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications don’t take care of your pain and disability.
Knee Replacement
When you have arthritis, the cartilage that protects and cushions your knee starts to break down. Bony surfaces in the joint rub against each other causing damage and pain. If non-surgical options no longer relieve the pain, your doctor may recommend you see an orthopaedic surgeon to discuss knee replacement surgery. During the surgery, the ends of bones in the damaged knee joint are replaced with new metal and plastic parts.
Hip Replacement
There are several reasons you may be considering hip replacement surgery, including damage caused by arthritis, a fracture or hip dysplasia. The damage may make activities like walking or getting up down from a chair difficult or painful. Hip replacement replaces the hip socket the top of the femur with metal, ceramic or plastic parts.
Shoulder Replacement
In addition to relieving pain, the goal of shoulder replacement surgery is to improve your arm strength and movement. When shoulder replacement is needed, your surgeon removes the ends of the damaged upper arm bone (humerus) and usually the shoulder bone (scapula), replacing them with metal and plastic parts. The specific surgery recommended depends on the cause and extent of the damage.