Total Joint Program

Total Joint Replacement or arthroplasty is a surgical option for the treatment of many painful and disabling joint conditions when more conservative management has failed. A joint replacement may be indicated for severe inflammatory osteoarthritis, fracture of the proximal femur, osteoporosis, pathological fractures, rheumatoid arthritis or avascular necrosis(Loss of blood supply to the hip). Hip and knee replacements are the most common but shoulder replacements are also increasing in numbers.

There are numerous types of joint replacements which can be performed depending on each individual circumstance.   

• A Total Hip Replacement(or Total Hip Arthroplasty) is the replacement of the femoral head(the "ball") and the acetabular articular surface(the "socket").
• Unipolar Hemiarthroplasty consists of replacement of the femoral head only(the "Ball").
• Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty is when a femoral prosthesis is used with an articulating acetabular cup which is not attached to the pelvis; the acetabular cartilage is not replaced. The principle of this procedure is to decrease the frictional wear between the femoral head prosthesis and the cartilage of the acetabulum.
• A Total Knee Replacement(or Total Knee Arthroplasty) involves replacement of both articular surfaces of the femoral condyles(the end of the thigh bone), the tibial plateau(the top of the shin bone) and the patella(the knee cap).
• Unicompartmental knee replacement(unicompartmental arthroplasty) involves replacement of only the medial(inside) or lateral(outside) compartment of the knee.
• Total Arthroplasty can either be cemented or cementless. If your new joint is cemented you can usually begin weight bearing as tolerated. If it is not cemented, you may need to be partial weight bearing for up to six weeks.

The number of joint replacements that are performed each year is steadily increasing. In 2004 , over 400,000 people underwent total knee replacements and over 200,000 people had hip replacements in this country. The treatment of the diseased joint does not end with surgical replacement. Post-operative rehabilitation is crucial in order for an individual to regain their prior level of functioning. At Eberle's Physical Therapy, Inc., our licensed physical therapists can help you regain your mobility, strength and functional independence beyond what gains you have made with inpatient physical therapy or home P.T.

Each program is customized based on each individual's circumstances as well as the surgeon's specific protocols and recommendations. We always complete a thorough initial evaluation which includes an assessment of strength, motion, functionality, gait and balance. Each patient's goals are also taken into consideration when creating a treatment plan. We then tailor a rehab program based on each patient's particular situation. For instance, if stair climbing is a goal, one will need at least 83 degrees of knee flexion. We can increase your knee range of motion with patellar mobilization andmanual stretching. Strengthening can be accomplished with therapeutic exercise on a mat table, in standing and on exercise equipment, including the stationary bike and the treadmill. We also work on controlling edema and preventing scar adhesion using a special type of scar massage.

Many of our patients have benefited from an aquatic therapy program to help them achieve their goals. We have on premises a heated therapeutic pool which provides buoyancy to reduce stress on sore joints and warmth to decrease pain and improve motion.

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