Restoring Motion, Eliminating Pain
Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is one of the most effective medical procedures for improving quality of life. When severe arthritis or injury destroys the smooth cartilage of a joint, bone rubs against bone, causing debilitating pain. Joint replacement removes the damaged surfaces and replaces them with durable artificial implants (prosthetics) made of metal and plastic.
Types of Joint Replacement
Dr. Behrens performs a high volume of joint replacements, ensuring expertise in:
- Total Knee Replacement: Resurfacing the ends of the femur and tibia. Dr. Behrens uses precision techniques to align the implant perfectly, which is critical for the longevity of the joint.
- Total Hip Replacement: Replacing the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum). Dr. Behrens often utilizes muscle-sparing approaches for faster recovery.
- Total Shoulder Replacement: Replacing the ball and socket of the shoulder, often used for severe osteoarthritis.
- Reverse Shoulder Replacement: A specialized procedure for patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy, where the anatomy is reversed to rely on the deltoid muscle rather than the rotator cuff.
Am I a Candidate?
Joint replacement is typically recommended when:
- Pain limits everyday activities like walking, bending, or lifting.
- Pain continues while resting or at night.
- Non-surgical treatments (medication, injections, physical therapy) have failed to provide adequate relief.