In Motion Orthopedic Newsletter Fall 2017 BSWORTHO_92_2017_InMotion_NL_single | Page 2

More Than a Typical Joint
Replacement
Replacing bone brings new hope to
people with complications
Joint replacement is a favorable option for lots of people. But
for some, a typical replacement isn’t enough.
People with benign or cancerous tumors can have weakened
bones close to a joint. These tumors need to be removed
to help prevent further bone damage and the possibility of
cancer spreading to other parts of the body.
People with previous joint replacements that are infected or
wearing out are at risk of a loosened connection between the
artificial joint and the bone. Also, old joint replacements
can wear out; when they do, microparticles can loosen from
the surface and trigger an immune response that creates
bone loss.
In those cases, surgeons can replace parts of bones and
connect those artificial bones to new joints in the hip, knee,
shoulder or elbow.
“We have the capacity to replace the entire femur bone
if necessary, and marry a hip replacement to a knee
replacement,” says Al Mollabashy, MD, medical director of
musculoskeletal tumor services at Baylor University Medical
Center at Dallas and medical director of orthopedic oncology
at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano.
Without this treatment option, people would be left with
functionless limbs or unstable and painful joints.
The procedure is similar to a typical joint replacement.
“Surgery restores structural stability, so the patient is
able to use the joint the next day,” Dr. Mollabashy says.
People usually spend three to five days in the hospital. The
replacement joints are expected to last 10 to 20 years.
Talk to Someone About Joint Pain
If you’re experiencing pain in a joint that was replaced, visit
BSWHealth.com/JointRevision or call 1.800.4BAYLOR
(1.800.422.9567) and ask for a complex joint specialist.
By the
Numbers
Sources: Arthritis Foundation, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
New
Joint
Today,
Home
Tomorrow
Some people who need a joint replacement don’t have to
spend days recuperating in the hospital. With the rapid
recovery program at Baylor Scott & White Health, they can
go home the day after surgery.
Before the procedure, they’ll learn how to prepare and what
to expect. With guidance from Baylor Scott & White,
they’ll arrange for the equipment and therapy they will need
and make sure they’ll have assistance from a family member
or a friend.
On the day of surgery, the surgical team tries to schedule
the procedure first thing in the morning so physical and
occupational therapy sessions can start right after surgery
and continue through the next morning.
Mark Greenberg, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on the
medical staff at Baylor Scott & White – Grapevine, says
people who are highly motivated to leave the hospital
quickly, are generally healthy and have a good support
system are good candidates for the rapid recovery program.
The rapid recovery program is available at Baylor University
Medical Center at Dallas, Baylor Scott & White All Saints
Medical Center – Fort Worth, Baylor Scott & White –
Grapevine, Baylor Scott & White – Plano and Baylor Scott
& White – Waxahachie.
Is One-Day Discharge Right for You?
For a referral to an orthopedic surgeon who offers one-day discharge,
visit BSWHealth.com/OneDayJoint or call 1.800.4BAYLOR.
4 31% 172 million
Pounds of pressure on your knees
for every extra pound of body weight
you carry. Obese adults who say they also have
arthritis—that’s nearly double the rate
for people at or below normal weight. Workdays missed annually by people
with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis.
2 In Motion | Fall 2017 Visit us at BSWHealth.com