Knee and Hip Arthritis: Understanding Joint Replacement Options and Mako® Technology 

Ongoing pain and stiffness in your knee or hip can make even the simplest tasks feel like huge challenges. For many people, especially those over 50, these symptoms can point to arthritis. AHN offers advanced treatment options to help you find relief, including joint replacement with Mako SmartRobotics^TM systems.

Recognizing joint pain and what it means

Arthritis happens when the cartilage cushioning your knee or hip joint starts to wear down. This can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and feeling unsteady on your feet.

Brian F. Moore, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at AHN and associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at Drexel University, explains, "Arthritis is not necessarily a normal part of aging. While it is very common, it’s also treatable.”

You should pay attention to these symptoms:

• For your knee: Pain, stiffness, or swelling, especially if it gets worse with activity and feels better when you rest.
• For your hip: Pain, often in your groin, though it can also be on the side or back of your hip. You might also notice significant stiffness when moving your hip that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

How AHN diagnoses and treats knee and hip arthritis

If you’re experiencing symptoms of arthritis, your PCP will likely refer you for orthopaedic care. AHN orthopaedic providers will examine you and order any imaging needed to make an accurate diagnosis. They’ll then discuss a treatment plan, making sure you understand all your options.

At AHN, the goal for your care is to find the least disruptive treatment that helps you get back to your life, so you and your doctor will likely explore conservative options first. These could include bracing, medication, injections, or physical therapy.

However, if those options aren’t effective or aren’t right for you, joint replacement surgery may offer the best path to lasting relief. And if surgery is recommended, your doctor may discuss robotic-assisted surgery with the Mako system as part of your care plan.

What is robotic-assisted joint replacement with Mako?

Mako robotic technology helps your surgeon plan and perform a partial or full joint replacement surgery with extreme precision. 

• Before surgery: Your care team will help you arrange your pre-operative CT imaging. The Mako system then uses those images to make an exact 3D model of your joint, allowing your doctors to create a highly personalized surgical plan.
• During the surgery: The Mako system’s robotic arm assists the surgeon in placing the new joint components exactly where they need to be. This precision can often lead to better outcomes and a quicker recovery.

"Forbes Hospital and AHN were early adopters of robotic joint replacements," says Dr. Moore. “Our teams have performed thousands of robotic-assisted joint procedures, establishing a strong track record of success.”

Going home after surgery

Most total and partial joint replacement surgeries at AHN Forbes Hospital and the Monroeville Outpatient Surgery Center are performed as same-day procedures. This means many patients return home the day of their surgery. For a small number of patients who need extra monitoring, an overnight stay at the hospital can be arranged.

In the days that follow, physical and occupational therapy will be vital for your recovery. Typically, AHN therapists visit your home every few days for the first two weeks. You'll then have a follow-up appointment in the clinic. If needed, outpatient physical therapy can begin later, with the frequency and duration tailored to your progress.

Life after joint replacement surgery

A successful knee or hip replacement can bring about wonderful changes. After closely following your doctor’s plan for recovery, your knee or hip will likely feel more stable with a good range of motion and significantly less pain. You should be able to get back to many low-impact activities you enjoy, including walking, gardening, biking, swimming, or strength training.

Future arthritis management and prevention

While there's no way to reverse existing arthritis, you can take steps to protect your other joints and potentially delay the need for surgery:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing extra weight significantly reduces stress on your knee and hip joints.
• Strengthen your leg muscles: Build up the muscles that support your weight-bearing joints, like your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
• Quit smoking: Smoking speeds up cartilage damage and increases inflammation levels in your body, so stopping will protect your tissues.

Why choose AHN for your joint care?

Living with the discomfort of knee or hip arthritis doesn't have to be your new normal. The dedicated orthopaedic teams at AHN are committed to providing you with advanced, personalized care. 

With comprehensive evaluations, advanced diagnostic tools, and a full spectrum of treatment options like robotic-assisted surgery with the Mako system, the expert providers at AHN can help you reduce pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life.

To schedule a visit with an AHN orthopaedic provider, call (412) DOCTORS 412-362-8677, or request an appointment online with MyChart®.