Total Joint Replacement
The University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Hospital provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care for the evaluation and treatment of knee and hip joints. An experienced team of orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers guides patients from presurgery education through postsurgery rehabilitation and recovery.
Arthritis affects the areas in the body where two or more bones meet, such as the knee and hip joints. The normal joint is enclosed in a capsule and lined with synovium tissue. The synovium lining releases a slippery fluid that helps the joint move smoothly and easily. The ends of the bones are covered with cartilage, a firm, rubbery material that acts as a cushion between the bones and keeps them from rubbing together.
Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage between the joints to break down, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and limited motion. If the affected joint movement is limited due to pain and is not exercised, the muscles surrounding the joint will become weaker and possibly shrink. As a result, the weak muscles may not be able to support the joint and can cause an increase in joint pain. A limp can develop, which is the body?s way of reducing the forces of weight bearing between the bones of the hip and knee joint.
This degeneration will lead to a decrease in the range of motion in the joint. As symptoms persist and the condition worsens, the pain may be constant. This can also affect coordination and posture.
Severe arthritis is one of the most common conditions that cause joint pain. Other causes of joint pain include trauma, such as a serious fracture or an injury that doesn't heal properly.
Avascular necrosis is a degeneration of the hip joint. In this condition, the femoral head loses its blood supply and dies. This causes the collapse of the femoral head and degeneration of the joint.
Abnormalities and congenital deformities can also cause degeneration of the knee and hip joints. If treatment options to relieve pain and disability due to aging, disease, or injury have not been successful, state-of-the-art joint replacement procedures can improve function, eliminate pain and reverse the debilitating effects of these problems.
Since no two conditions are exactly alike, we make a careful diagnosis before we begin treatment. Our experience, as well as our expertise in the latest procedures and technology, enables us to provide superior care to patients of all ages.
How Total Joint Replacement Can Help
When the covering that allows a normal joint to move freely and painlessly is worn or damaged, the friction of bone rubbing on bone results in loss of motion and decreases a joint's weight-bearing capacity. Joint replacement means the bone surfaces within the joint are surgically removed and replaced with synthetic materials, usually a prosthesis made of durable, wear-resistant plastic and/or metal. Different procedures and components may be used, depending on factors such as the nature of the disease or injury, the patient's age, and condition of the bone. Most patients can look forward to resuming an active, fulfilling lifestyle following a successful procedure.
Communication with Patients and Referring Physicians
We are committed to providing ongoing communication to both patients and referring physicians. Before, during and after treatment, patients and their families can expect concern and compassion, education and training, as well as injury prevention information.
Joint education classes are held every Tuesday for the patients and their families before surgery. The patients and families watch an educational video about joint replacement. Nurses, Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapists provide information training + demonstration to help patients establish appropriate post surgical expectations. They are also given handouts and brochures explaining:
- The joint replacement procedure
- How to prepare for surgery
- Anesthesia options
- The recovery process
- Pain management
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Follow-up care
After surgery, a schedule of therapy and exercise will be established to teach patients how to get in and out of bed safely, walk with a walker or crutches, and improve muscle strength and joint motion. If necessary, occupational therapists can help patients relearn daily living skills, including bathing, dressing and meal preparation. Case Managers are available to arrange home care, home medical equipment, and other support services for the return home.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The orthopedics team provides surgical, medical, physical and rehabilitative care to patients in state-of-the-art facilities. The University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Hospital is the designated orthopedic hospital of the University of Maryland Medical System.
Nationally recognized for excellence in orthopedics for more than 100 years, we provide a sophisticated orthopedic services on a beautiful, 85-acre campus that is conveniently located just two miles from the Baltimore Beltway. Home of the William Donald Schaefer Rehabilitation Center, the University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Hospital is the only fully dedicated rehabilitation hospital in Maryland.
We provide an extensive array of orthopedic and rehabilitation services for children and adults, including:
- Inpatient and Ambulatory Surgical Services
- Physical Therapy and Spine Surgery
- Foot and Ankle Surgery
- Shoulder and Knee Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Total Joint Replacement and Reconstruction
- Hand Surgery and Therapy
- Scoliosis
- Spine Surgery
- Outpatient PT + OT
- Work Hardening
- Pain Management
About our Physicians
Our team of physicians includes board-certified orthopaedic surgeons with fellowship training in total joint replacement surgery. They are a well-known and respected physician's resource for consultation, second opinion, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment of patients with musculoskeletal problems. Referring physicians can expect prompt follow-up to patients' tests, and the timely return of patients to their care.
Joint Replacement Class
UM Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute offers a weekly class for patients who are to undergo hip or knee replacement surgery. This class is presented by the Total Joint Coordinator (clinical nurse specialist), physical therapists, occupational therapists and case managers. For further questions call 410-448-6479.
Contact Us
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 410-448-6400 or 877-771-4567.