Healthy Living Newsletter
When you’ve just…Got to get into this joint
 Steve was having difficulty walking to the ball diamond to watch his son play Little League. Fran couldn’t keep up with the fast-paced activity of her grandchildren. And, Mike just wanted more time on the golf course and in his vegetable garden.
From knees, and hips to shoulders, more and more Americans are choosing to relieve the pain of arthritis, injury and other diseases by deciding to undergo joint replacement surgery, allowing them to return to a more productive lifestyle.
The National Center for Health Statistics reported that in 2002: 343,000 individuals underwent hip replacement; 400,000 had knees replaced; and 23,100 Americans had shoulder replacements.
Joint replacement surgery is removing a damaged joint and putting in a new one. The joint is where two or more bones come together, like the knee, hip and shoulder. The surgery is completed by a doctor called an orthopedic (or orthopaedic) surgeon. Sometimes the surgeon will not remove the whole joint, but will only replace or fix the damaged parts.
Experience Matters
When making the decision to undergo a joint replacement, choosing a physician specialist is very important.
The orthopedic surgeons at Mercy Hospital are all based locally, are Board-Certified and have been trained at such places as Henry Ford Hospital, The Detroit Medical Center, the University of Michigan and Mayo Clinic.
Many joint replacements were pioneered in St. Clair County; and the tradition continues as Mercy Hospital’s orthopedic surgeons receive advanced training for new state-of-the-art techniques.
What’s more, choosing an orthopedic and joint center that offers the most clinical experience in providing patient programs and medical services is important.
That’s why it’s great to know that the Mercy Orthopedics and Joint Center performs more joint replacement surgery than any other hospital in the Blue Water Area. In addition to hip, knee and shoulder replacements, Mercy’s vast array of services also include fracture care, neck and back surgery.
A Proven Process
Mercy Hospital has also developed a proven process for those patients wishing to undergo joint replacement, including extensive education prior to the procedure, a dedicated unit, certified orthopedic nurses, and a case manager to help patients understand their care during their stay.
To help meet the needs of bone and joint patients, Mercy Hospital hosts a 20-bed orthopedic unit. Its advanced multi-discipline team of professionals includes:
- Local and dedicated orthopedic surgeons, committed to providing you the most advanced care and innovations in joint replacement.
- Primary care physicians — your orthopedic surgeon and the staff at Mercy Hospital will work in concert with your primary care doctor to ensure your overall care and health needs.
- Certified orthopedic nurses, specially trained in providing advanced orthopedic care.
- Physical and occupational therapist. Our on-site therapists work to develop a therapy process to meet your specific needs to get you on a quick road to recovery.
Once you and your doctor decide on joint replacement, Mercy’s highly-skilled clinicians manage all the necessary steps for your care, including scheduling your education classes, surgery, and even home care follow-up visits.
Education is the Key to Successful Surgery
As part of Mercy’s commitment to providing the best joint replacement and orthopedic services in the area, orthopedic staff offer classes in which patients and their family members and care supporters learn about their treatment and care plans well in advance of their surgeries to prepare for success.
Classes are offered twice each month for individuals planning for a total joint (knee, hip and shoulder) replacement surgery.
During these informative sessions, a nurse, physical therapist and even a home care professional are available to meet you and to review what will occur during your surgery, hospital stay and return home as well as answer any additional questions you may have. The decision to undergo joint replacement surgery is best made when you have all the facts and understand all the programs and services available to you.
When making the decision, rest assured that Mercy Hospital offers local access to the most highly-trained surgeons and clinical staff with a dedicated process proven to be successful for thousands of orthopedic patients each year. When you want the best in orthopedic and joint replacement care, turn to the Mercy Orthopedics and Joint Center for the best care, close to home.
For More Information & To Find a Physician Near You
For more information visit the Mercy Orthopedics and Joint Center section of this website.
To find a highly-skilled and qualified orthopedic surgeon on staff at Mercy Hospital, call our toll-free Physician Referral Center at: 1 (888) MERCYME.
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