UF Health offers advanced joint replacement surgery to patients in Florida and beyond. Joint replacement surgery helps patients return to an active, pain-free lifestyle. Our team includes orthopaedic surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and support staff. This comprehensive team is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality care.

If you are experiencing joint pain and limited mobility, consider joint replacement surgery. It’s important to understand what joint replacement surgery is and if it is the right solution for you.

Why choose UF Health Orthopaedic Surgery for joint replacement surgery?

UF Health’s fellowship-trained orthopaedic experts take a personalized approach to joint pain. Our specialists start with non-operative solutions like physical therapy or injections when possible. If patients don't respond to non-operative treatments, surgery is the next step. Our orthopaedic surgeons provide research-based surgical treatment to ensure successful joint replacement. Through expertise and partnership, your orthopaedic team can get you back to daily life in as little as six weeks. Your team includes joint surgeons, orthopaedic specialists, physical therapists, and occupation therapists. Our experts work under one roof at UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, saving patients time and travel.

What conditions does joint replacement surgery treat?

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Damaged bone or joint trauma
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteonecrosis

Lifestyle, genetics, overuse, injury, and certain diseases can cause joint pain. If you are experiencing joint pain, joint replacement surgery may help you. Make an appointment with one of UF Health's orthopaedic experts at (352) 273-7001.

What is joint replacement surgery?

In joint replacement surgery a damaged joint is resurfaced or replaced with a man-made prosthetic. Joint replacement surgeries include knee replacement, total hip replacement, elbow replacement, ankle replacement, and shoulder replacement.

• Knee joint replacement and partial knee replacement
• Hip joint replacement
• Shoulder replacement
• Ankle replacement
• Elbow replacement

Joint replacement surgery, often called total joint replacement or joint surgery, is recommended for those who with severe joint pain and limited mobility. This may include treatments such as physical therapy and medication.

UF Health uses advanced robotic-assisted surgery for joint replacement. This technology provides greater precision and accuracy, often lessening recovery time as well. In many cases, patients are back to their daily activities in as little as six weeks.

What is the difference between arthroplasty and arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy

• Procedure used to diagnose and possibly address underlying joint pain issues.
• Insertion of a small imaging device, or arthroscope, into the affected joint area.
• Arthroscope provides clear images and allows for diagnosis and treatment when possible.
• If joint pain can't be addressed with arthroscopy, then an arthroplasty is often the next step.
• Shorter recovery time in most cases, ranging from one to six weeks.

Arthroscopy is performed by one of our fellowship-trained sports medicine doctors. Arthroscopy can determine if arthroplasty with an orthopaedic surgeon is needed. This collaboration ensures optimal treatment for each patient’s individual needs.

Arthroplasty

• Removal or resurfacing damaged areas of the joint. The joint may be replaced all together with a prosthetic device.
• Follows arthroscopic procedures, as a diagnosis is typically determined by arthroscopy.
• Longer recovery time, anywhere from six weeks to several months.

Our orthopaedic surgeons work with other specialties within orthopaedics and across the system. This collaboration provides for optimal treatment and recovery for our patients.

What are the benefits of joint replacement surgery?

Joint replacement surgery has many benefits for chronic joint pain, including:

• Relief from pain: Joint replacement surgery can relieve chronic joint pain. Prosthesis placement can also help restore normal joint function.
• Improved mobility: Joint replacement surgery can improve range of motion. This improvement can help patients get back to everyday life.

What can I expect during and after joint replacement surgery at UF Health?

UF Health is an academic-based institution. We use the latest research to provide advanced surgical treatments and prosthetics. Our team of joint replacement surgeons work with you to find treatment based on your goals.

Patients undergo general anesthesia during joint replacement surgery for comfort and safety. Your orthopaedic surgeon then makes a small incision over the joint to reshape or remove the damaged joint, along with any bone spurs. A prosthetic is placed when needed after reshaping or resurfacing.

Joint replacement is a same-day, outpatient surgery. Recovery from joint replacement surgery varies, lasting from six weeks to several months. Recovery depends on the type of joint replacement and the patient's health. Patients can expect physical therapy or occupational therapy to be prescribed.

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