Hip, Knee, and Shoulder Replacement in Santa Rosa, CA
"I'm 64 and have the knee of a 24 year old. Dr. Smith's care and excellent follow-through made the difference. I wouldn't let anyone else cut on me."
Ralph Rittenhouse, patient of Dr. Steven Smith
If one or more of your joints hurts, perhaps from arthritis or damage from an injury, you may be a candidate for total joint replacement. A joint is where two or more bones come together. They are connected by tissue and obvious examples of joints are the knee or the hip. Because the ends of the bones are covered by cartilage that almost eliminates friction, normal movement should be pain-free. When it's not, you might begin to ask yourself, "How can I regain comfortable movement in my knee again?" Total Joint Replacement may be the answer to that question.
Together, Dr. Briant Smith and Dr. Steven Smith have done thousands of total joint replacements. For the benefit of their patients they continually explore new technologies and techniques so their patients can depend on a state-of-the-art approach to each procedure.
The goal of total joint replacement is to relieve pain. That pain may have increased over time to the point where you try to avoid movement of a joint which then weakens the muscle around it, which only increases the pain more. A physical examination and possibly some x-rays can tell the physicians the extent of the damage. These tests can also help determine other options that may be available prior to making the decision about total joint replacement. Each patient is unique and you can depend on the Dr. Smith you choose to listen to you and work with you toward the best possible solution.
"Dr. Briant Smith replaced my knee in a difficult operation. He was very caring from weeks before the surgery through my successful rehabilitation. I'm now pain-free and back to my active lifestyle, walking, hiking and playing golf."
Steve Werle, Patient
If Total Joint Replacement is the solution
If the patient and Dr. Briant Smith or Dr. Steven Smith decide that total joint replacement is the best option to relieve pain and increase mobility the surgeon will replace the damaged parts of the joint. In the case of a knee the damaged ends of the bones and cartilage are replaced with metal and plastic surfaces that are shaped to restore knee movement and function. If it's a hip, the damaged ball (the upper end of the femur) is replaced by a metal ball attached to a metal stem fitted into the femur and a plastic socket is implanted into the pelvis, replacing the damaged socket.
The goal is increased mobility and diminished pain so the materials used are designed to enable the joint to move just like a normal joint. While hips and knees are the most commonly replaced joints, the Drs. Smith can also work on the ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow, and fingers.
Why didn't I do this sooner?
"Why didn't I do this sooner," is a comment patients often ask when recovery is complete. Pain and immobility increase gradually until it's often difficult to remember what normal feels like. After surgery, Dr. Briant Smith or Dr. Steven Smith will encourage movement almost immediately. You may stand and walk the day after surgery. Exercise is an important part of the recovery process. Your doctor or staff will discuss and exercise program with you that will be prepared for your unique surgery and circumstances. The extent of improvement will depend on how stiff your joint was before the surgery and your commitment to exercise after.
If you are experiencing pain and increasing lack of mobility in a joint, perhaps now is the time to investigate your options. Call for a consultation, (707) 525-6620.
