ORTHOPEDIC LIBRARY

Our Joint Replacement Specialists

Joint Replacement | Arthroplasty

Bone and Joint Specialists are rated the Top orthopedic surgeons in Michigan for joint replacement surgery.

What is Total Joint Replacement?

Total Joint Replacement, also called Total Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure in which parts of a damaged joint are removed and replaced with implants, designed to imitate a normal, healthy joint.  The procedure is intended to give you restored mobility and to reduce painful bone-on-bone contact. Hip replacements and knee joint replacements are the most common joint replacements, but replacement surgery can be performed on other joints, such as the ankle, wrist, shoulder, and elbow.

Total Joint Replacement, Total Arthoplasty, Shoulder Implant
Total Joint Replacement, Total Arthoplasty, Hip Implant
Total Joint Replacement, Total Arthoplasty, Knee Implant

Approximately 700,000 hip & knee replacements are performed each year in the United States. Many joint replacement recipients experience reduced pain, increased mobility, & improved quality of life. If you are a candidate for surgery, there are several important factors to consider:

Different companies design and manufacture joint replacement systems and the instruments used to implant them. Some implants are designed to address special considerations such as weak or damaged muscles and ligaments, excessively damaged bone or abnormal bone formation. Surgeons should choose an implant system that they feel will give you the most satisfactory results.

Many factors determine how well your joint replacement will perform after surgery, including your health before surgery, following your surgeon’s instructions pre-op and post-op surgery, your weight, activity level, and your participation in physical therapy including moderate exercise after surgery.

When you walk, and your foot hits the ground, the bones in your legs help absorb the stress of the impact. This is a natural process that helps keep your bones healthy and strong. If you stop using your legs, your bones begin to thin out, and your muscles become very weak. Think of it as “use it or lose it.” Therefore, it is essential to maintain an active lifestyle, especially after total joint arthroplasty.

Our Joint Replacement Experts

Dr. Bartholomew, Dr. Kohen, Dr. Schmitt

Bone and Joint Specialists Expert joint replacement Orthopaedic Surgeons

Bone and Joint Specialists orthopaedic surgeons apply innovative surgical techniques and new technologies to improve total joint replacement surgery. Our orthopedic surgeons have over 20 years experience with Total Joint Replacements and carefully assess each patient individually in order to find the best treatment options.

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Total hip replacement can be a life-changing procedure. Elimination of pain, stiffness, and immobility allow most patients to “get their life back” and resume their favorite activities. Bone and Joint Specialists Orthopedic Surgeons, Dr. Kohen, and Dr. Schmitt  are experienced in many options for hip surgery and would be pleased to help you decide which choice is right for you including:

  • Cemented and non-cementer technology
  • Traditional metal-on-plastic
  • Newer metal technology
  • Anterior approach technique
  • Constrained total hip replacement
  • Revision total hip reconstruction

Learn About:

Total Hip Replacement

Birmingham Hip Resurfacing

Each patient’s anatomy is unique. That is why Bone and Joint Specialists board certified Orthopaedic doctors, Dr. Bartholomew, Dr. Kohen, and Dr. Schmitt use the Signature Custom Knee Replacement alignment-guide technology specifically designed for each patient. This state-of-the-art technique utilizes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed axial tomography (CT scan) to create personalized guides that position the total knee prosthesis according to the patient’s specific anatomy. The advantage of using an MRI or a CT scan, unlike x-rays, a detailed three-dimensional image of your anatomy is created enabling Dr. Bartholomew, Dr. Kohen, and Dr. Schmitt to accurately plan your custom knee replacement.

Dr. Bartholomew, Dr. Kohen, and Dr. Schmitt use the most modern technology to alleviate knee pain including minimally invasive knee replacement, arthroscopic knee procedures, knee replacements including partial and total knee replacement and partial knee replacement, knee injections and physical therapy for the knee. They are happy to discuss which treatment option is appropriate for you.

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Custom Fit Knee Replacement

Every year, thousands of shoulder replacements are performed in the United States to help alleviate pain and restore arm and muscle function. Some patients may have shoulder replacement surgery because they are suffering from severe arthritis in combination with a tear in their rotator cuff.

A shoulder replacement involves removing the arthritic shoulder joint and replacing it with a metal and polyethylene(plastic) prosthesis.

The shoulder is a complicated joint that requires an experienced surgeon in shoulder joint replacement to perform this surgery. Dr. Bartholomew is our shoulder joint replacement expert. As a renowned orthopedic shoulder surgeon, Dr. Bartholomew can show you what the latest advancements in shoulder replacement technology can do for you.

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When should I have a total joint replacement?
This is a very individual decision. Basically, when you are tired of pain, stiffness, and disability and are willing to undergo surgery to alleviate these symptoms. There is no right or best time.

What is the implant made of?
A combination of titanium or stainless steel and high-density polyethylene (plastic) are the most common materials used to create the implant.

Will my insurance cover the surgery?
Almost all policies cover total joint replacement subject to individual deductibles & co-pay.

How long is the hospital stay?
Usually, two to three days or until the patient is safe to perform their activities at home, usually two to three days.

What will rehab be like?
Physical therapy starts the day of surgery and continues daily in the hospital. Most patients then go home with Home Health Therapy and within three to four weeks are often walking, climbing stairs, etc., better than they did pre-operatively.

How successful is joint replacement surgery?
Over half a million total joint replacements are done in the U. S. each year. Most recipients experience reduced pain, increased mobility, and improved quality of life. Some studies indicate over 95 percent are happy are happy with their prosthesis. Factors that make a difference in your outcome include health before surgery, following the surgeon’s instructions before and after surgery, your weight, activity level, and participation in physical therapy along with moderate exercise after surgery.

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To schedule an appointment, please call (248) 673-0500 ext 14 OR Make an Appointment Request online.

We are currently accepting new patients and referrals.

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