Joint Replacement

At Ochsner Health, our orthopedic surgeons utilize advanced robotic-assisted technology to enhance precision and improve outcomes for knee and hip replacement surgeries. For knee replacements, we use the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution, while for both hip and knee replacements, we rely on the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted System. These state-of-the-art tools allow for more accurate implant placement compared to traditional surgical methods.

Patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery may experience:

• Faster recovery times
• Reduced post-operative pain
• Fewer complications
• Improved joint function and longer-lasting implants
• A lower risk of infection
• Higher overall success rates

If robotic-assisted surgery isn’t the right fit due to a medical condition, rest assured you still have options. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are highly skilled in traditional open surgery and minimally invasive joint replacement techniques, ensuring you receive personalized care tailored to your needs.

Ochsner Health is dedicated to providing comprehensive support for your joint replacement journey, from your very first call to achieving full recovery. With a committed team by your side, we guide you through every step, ensuring you feel confident and cared for along the way.

When you contact the Ochsner Joint Replacement Program, a nurse navigator will connect you with one of our highly skilled orthopedic surgeons. To help you feel prepared and informed, you’ll be enrolled in our required Joint Boot Camp. This two-hour class, available both in person and online, is designed to reduce anxiety and empower you with knowledge. It’s your opportunity to ask questions, meet your dedicated care team, and get ready for your procedure. Topics covered include:

• Steps to improve your health before surgery and lower risks
• What happens during a joint replacement procedure
• Strategies for managing pain after surgery
• Planning for recovery, including tips for home assistance and the use of safe bathing equipment

Before your joint replacement surgery, you’ll meet with your doctor to review the procedure, complete a physical exam and possibly have blood tests to check your overall health. If needed, your doctor may suggest steps to improve your health before surgery to reduce the risk of complications. Once you are cleared for surgery, your care team will help you get ready for the procedure and plan for your recovery at home. You may be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before surgery. To lower your risk of blood clots, your doctor may prescribe blood thinners before and after your procedure.

During your joint replacement surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged part of your joint and replace it with a new, artificial joint. Most patients stay in the hospital overnight. While you’re there, you’ll start rehabilitation therapy and receive pain management to help you heal. Common medications used to manage pain include acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and local anesthetics. During your hospital stay, our team prioritizes your comfort and mobility, helping you recover quickly and with confidence. Physical or occupational therapy often begins within hours after your procedure, promoting strength, minimizing complications, and setting the foundation for a safe return home.

When it’s time to leave the hospital, we ensure you have a seamless transition by coordinating home health services and rehabilitation therapy tailored to your needs. For added peace of mind, our 24/7 Joint Phone Line is always available, connecting you with a joint replacement specialist who can answer any questions, day or night.

At Ochsner, we’re not just focused on the procedure, we’re focused on restoring your independence, enhancing your quality of life, and helping you return to doing what you love. Together, we’ll take the steps that lead to a stronger you.

At Ochsner Health, our joint replacement program is led by a team of experts who support every part of your care. This multidisciplinary team works together to make sure you have the best experience and outcome possible.

Your care team includes:

• Advanced practice providers

• Anesthesiologists
• Board-certified orthopedic surgeons
• Occupational therapists
• Physical therapists
• Social workers

• Specialized nurses, including nurse navigators

We also work closely with your primary care doctor to make sure your care is smooth and well-coordinated. Our team-based approach encourages shared decision-making and gives you the information you need to make confident, informed choices about your joint replacement surgery and recovery.

Ochsner Medical Center is consistently listed as high-performing in U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings. We have also achieved Advanced Certification in total hip and total knee replacement through The Joint Commission. This certification highlights our dedication to high-quality care and patient safety. Additionally, the Ochsner received recognition by Healthgrades as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement in 2021 and 2022.

Ochsner is among a select group of healthcare systems designated as a Walmart National Center of Excellence for knee and hip replacement surgeries. This program allows Walmart employees across the U.S. to come to Ochsner for outstanding joint replacement care at 100% coverage. Our dedicated team can help arrange housing and post-surgery nursing visits at Ochsner’s Brent House Hotel for Walmart employees traveling to Louisiana for hip or knee replacements.

In the United States, the most common joint replacement surgery is a total knee replacement. The second most common is a total hip replacement.

A partial joint replacement involves removing only a portion of the damaged joint. In contrast, a total joint replacement involves removing and replacing the entire joint.

Usually, a joint replacement is recommended when you do not receive significant pain relief or improved function through non-surgical treatments, including joint aspiration, oral or injectable medication, physical therapy, splinting or weight management.

Both hip and knee replacement surgeries have a very high success rate. In most cases, artificial hip and knee joints continue to work well for 15 years or more.

Joint replacements are major surgeries. Though the risk of complications is low, there are risks to every surgery, which could potentially include:

• Allergic reaction to medications used or the artificial joint
• Blood clots
• Blood loss
• Infection
• Joint dislocation or bone fracture
• Loosening of the new artificial joint
• Injury to the blood vessels or nerves

A full recovery from joint replacement surgery typically takes two to three months. However, most people see noticeable improvements within three to six weeks.