Most knee and hip replacement surgeries at Ochsner use the leading-edge Mako Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System. This minimally invasive technique allows the surgeon better access and a clearer view of the damaged joint using only small surgical incisions, or cuts. Compared with patients who undergo traditional open joint replacements, those who receive surgery using Mako robotic-assisted surgical technology usually experience:

• A faster recovery

• Decreased pain

• Fewer complications

• Higher surgical success rates

• Improved artificial joint function and longevity

• Less risk of infection

If another medical condition makes you a poor candidate for robotic surgery, you still have options. Ochsner’s board-certified surgeons are also highly skilled at performing traditional open and other types of minimally invasive procedures.

Ochsner offers comprehensive care before, during and after joint replacement surgery.

When you first contact our joint replacement program, a nurse navigator will help you make an appointment with one of our surgeons and schedule you for Ochsner’s Joint Boot Camp. This required two-hour class is offered virtually and in person. In this class, you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions, meet members of the Ochsner joint replacement team and learn more about:

• Improving health before surgery to minimize potential risks during surgery

• Joint replacement procedures

• Pain management following surgery

• Planning for post-surgery needs, such as help with meal prep or equipment to safely shower or bathe during recovery

During your procedure and hospital stay, you will receive outstanding care designed to help you decrease joint pain, improve function and recover as quickly as possible. Your team will take measures to safely stay ahead of your pain and allow you to get moving. In many cases, you’ll be out of bed working with an occupational or physical therapist within hours of your procedure. This helps you prepare for a safe return home and prevents loss of strength or range of motion from time spent in bed.

When you’re ready to be discharged from the hospital, the Ochsner joint replacement team will work with you to coordinate home health and continuing rehabilitation therapy services based on your unique needs. If questions or concerns arise once you’re home, the Ochsner 24/7 Joint Phone line gives you access to joint replacement specialists whenever you need them.

The Ochsner joint replacement program is made up of a multidisciplinary team that supports all aspects of your joint replacement care. The team includes:

• Advanced practice providers

• Anesthesiologists

• Board-certified orthopedic surgeons

• Occupational therapists

• Physical therapists

• Social workers

• Specially trained nursing staff, including nurse navigators

Our team also works closely with your primary care provider to provide continuity of care. This team approach encourages shared decision-making and empowers you to make informed choices about your care.

Ochsner joint replacement surgeries are performed at several locations across Louisiana, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Kenner. Find a location near you.

Before surgery, you will receive education about the procedure. Your doctor will also do a physical exam and may take blood tests to check your overall health. If needed, your doctor may suggest ways to improve your health before surgery to lower the risks of complications.

Once you receive the green light for your procedure, your surgery team will talk with you about preparing for the day of your procedure and planning for your discharge home. They may ask you to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before your procedure. To lower your risk of blot clots, your provider may prescribe blood thinning medication, also called blood thinners, to take before and after surgery.

During surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged part of the joint. Then your surgeon puts a new, artificial joint in its place. It’s common to stay in the hospital overnight after your surgical procedure. While still in the hospital, you’ll begin rehabilitation therapy. Your care team will work with you to manage your pain as you heal. Common pain management medications include acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and local anesthetics.

After discharge from the hospital, you will continue to receive skilled therapy services to improve independence, range of motion, strength, stability and safety. You may also receive home health services.

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 U.S., 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.