Joint Replacement
Rediscover the freedom of movement with less pain. If you live with osteoarthritis, joint replacement surgery can help you enjoy the more active lifestyle you want and deserve. St. Bernards Medical Center’s advanced technology gives you the best possible results and quickest recovery times. Rely on our orthopedic experts for guidance every step of the way.
Is Joint Replacement Right for Me?
You may benefit from surgery if osteoarthritis pain:
Hip, Knee & Shoulder Procedures
Let a surgeon exchange your worn-out hip, knee or shoulder for a natural-feeling implant that can offer pain relief for 15–20 years. St. Bernards offers:
- Total and partial knee replacement
- Total hip replacement, including the anterior approach, which makes the incision on the front of your body and affects fewer muscles, so recovery is easier
- Total shoulder replacement, including reverse shoulder replacement, which switches the position of the ball and socket so you can lift your arms higher after a severe rotator cuff injury
- Revision surgery if your previous implant loosened, wore out or led to an infection
Our hip and knee program is called Total Joint Advantage, certified by The Joint Commission for providing safe, high-quality care.
Outpatient Joint Replacement
If you’re a candidate for outpatient surgery, you’ll go home the same day as your joint replacement procedure. You’ll receive the same attentive, high-quality care but spend more of your recovery in the setting where you feel most comfortable.
Robotic Technology for Knee Replacements
Ask if your knee replacement surgeon will use the Robotic Surgical Assistant (ROSA®) at St. Bernards Medical Center. This technology uses computer guidance and images of your joint to help the surgeon tailor treatment to your anatomy. That means:
- Precisely placed implants that fit well and improve long-term outcomes
- Less impact on your bones and soft tissues, leading to your fastest recovery
Your First Appointment
After the surgeon’s office receives a referral from your primary care provider, we’ll make an appointment to evaluate your joint pain. A surgeon will help you determine if you’re a candidate for treatment based on your imaging test results and overall health.
Total Joint Education Class
Before knee or hip replacement surgery, you’ll take a class that:
- Introduces you to members of our care team
- Explains what to expect during the hospital stay
- Teaches exercises to strengthen the muscles around your joint and help you recover sooner after surgery
- Offers you the chance to view surgical equipment
We’ll also schedule lab tests, imaging scans and any other preadmission tests you may need before the day of surgery. If your surgeon sends you to a lab outside of St. Bernards Healthcare for additional testing, bring a report of your results to the class to speed up the admission process.
Choose a Coach
Ask a loved one to act as your coach—someone who will come with you to the class, attend post-op therapy sessions and help you recover at home. This friend or family member will serve as your primary support person.
Joint Coordinator
A dedicated nurse will help you and your coach schedule appointments and navigate the preparation process for surgery. If you have questions before or after treatment, call the joint coordinator at 870.897.2548.
Recovery in the Hospital
We’ll assist you to safely get up and start moving again the same day or morning after surgery. Depending on your procedure, you’ll see a physical therapist and/or occupational therapist. Hip and knee patients attend two group physical therapy sessions and, as needed, practice climbing stairs and getting in and out of a car and bathtub.
Before you go home, you and your coach will receive instructions on pain medications, follow-up care and exercises to mobilize your new joint. We’ll be in touch to make sure you heal well.
Smart Knee Tracks Your Progress
Ask if your surgeon will use the Persona IQ® “smart knee” from Zimmer Biomet (a medical technology manufacturer). This implant collects real-time data on your range of motion, step count, distance walked, walking speed and stride length, but never your location. You and your care team can see the information in a secure, online portal. If we notice something that needs attention, we’ll reach out to check on you and provide any support you need.
App Guides Your Surgical Journey
Your hip or knee surgeon will recommend downloading mymobility Patient App if you have an Apple Watch, iPhone (model 6s or later) or an Android device (Android 8.0 or later). The surgeon uploads your personal care plan to the app, which sends reminders to guide you through each step of preparation and recovery. You can also use it to:
- Ask us questions, report how you’re feeling and share photos, such as images of the surgical incision as it heals
- View interactive guides while you practice pre-op and post-op exercises
- Track your overall progress
