Knee Replacement – Home Recovery
Knee Replacement – Home Recovery.
Home Recovery
Exercise is necessary for proper healing. Therapy will begin in the hospital and usually continues after discharge for approximately six weeks.
Physical therapy, a healthy diet and willingness to follow all of your surgeon’s recommendations will contribute to a more 
successful recovery after surgery. Most patients are able to walk without support and drive three to six weeks after surgery. Activities such as golf, doubles tennis and swimming can usually be resumed, but only after a thorough evaluation by your surgeon. Recovery time will vary for each patient.
High-impact activities or contact sports are typically not recommended. These types of activities place an extreme amount of pressure on the joints, which could lead to complications. Your surgeon will discuss this with you.
Dr. Matthews will schedule a follow-up appointment for six months and every year following your surgery to evaluate your progress. It is important to see your surgeon if you notice any unusual changes regarding your new joint.
Knee Replacement – After Surgery Hospital Recovery
Knee Replacement – After Surgery Hospital Recovery.
Hospital Recovery
Exercise is necessary for proper healing. Therapy will begin in the hospital and usually continues after discharge for approximately six weeks.
Physical therapy, a healthy diet and willingness to follow all of your surgeon’s recommendations will contribute to a more successful recovery after surgery. Most patients are able to walk without support and drive three to six weeks after surgery. Activities such as golf, doubles tennis and swimming can usually be resumed, but only after a thorough evaluation by your surgeon. Recovery time will vary for each patient.
High-impact activities or contact sports are typically not recommended. These types of activities place an extreme amount of pressure on the joints, which could lead to complications. Your surgeon will discuss this with you.
Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment for six months and every year following your surgery to evaluate your progress. It is important to see your surgeon if you notice any unusual changes regarding your new joint.
Hip Replacement – Home Recovery
Hip Replacement – Home Recovery.
Recovery
Exercise is necessary for proper healing. Therapy will begin in the hospital and continues either on your own or with a therapist after discharge for approximately six weeks.
Therapy, a healthy diet and willingness to follow all of your surgeon’s recommendations will contribute to a more successful recovery after surgery. Most patients are able to walk without support and drive three to six weeks after surgery. Activities such as golf, doubles tennis and swimming can usually be resumed, but only with the approval of your surgeon. Recovery time will vary for each patient.
There will be exercises to help circulation, as well as strengthen muscles and improve joint motion. Your surgeon, physical therapist and every member of your health care team are there to support you, but your progress is up to you. Be sure to follow movement and any weight-bearing limitations. Also, do your prescribed exercises on your own so you can continue along the road to recovery. Exercise is necessary for proper healing.
High-impact activities or contact sports are typically not recommended. These types of activities place an extreme amount of pressure on the joints, which could lead to complications. There are also certain precautions (avoiding certain positions and movements) of which you must be aware. Your surgeon will discuss this with you.
Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments shortly after your hip replacement and at regular intervals following your surgery to evaluate your progress. It is important to see your surgeon if you notice any unusual changes regarding your new joint.
When to Call Your Surgeon
You should phone anytime you have questions regarding your condition, care and activity level. Report any changes with your incision, such as an increase in swelling, redness or drainage that worsen during your recovery. Call your surgeon if you experience persistent pain not relieved by pain medication, have side effects from medication or persistent swelling not relieved with ice or rest.
Hip Replacement – Before Surgery
Hip Replacement – Before Surgery.
Preparing for Surgery
Prior to surgery, your surgeon will conduct a complete physical examination to determine the condition of your hip and your overall state of health. The examination may include x-rays and blood tests. Your surgeon will review your medical history and inquire about any medications you are currently taking. It’s very important to inform the surgeon about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal drugs.
Planning ahead can make the recovery process considerably easier. Have someone help you around the house in the weeks following surgery. If no one is available to help you in your home, you might consider staying in an extended care facility. If your home has more than one floor, try setting up a temporary bedroom on the ground floor, since going up and down stairs may be difficult during the early stages of recovery.
Hip Replacement – After Surgery
Hip Replacement – After Surgery.
After Surgery
After surgery you will receive pain medication and begin physical therapy. It is important to start moving your new hip as soon as possible after surgery to promote blood flow, to regain motion and to facilitate the recovery process. You may be out of bed and walking with crutches or a walker within 24 hours of your surgery.
You will be shown how to perform activities of daily living such as safely climbing and descending stairs, getting into and out of a seated position and how to care for your hip once you return home. It is a good idea to enlist the support of family or friends to help you when you return home.
Most patients are ready to go home between two to five days after surgery; however, some people may go to a separate rehabilitation facility, which your surgeon should discuss with you before surgery. Many patients will go directly home and begin supervised therapy either at home or as an outpatient.
Hip Replacement Orthopedic Surgery Overview
Hip Replacement Orthopedic Surgery Overview.
The hip is a simple ball and socket joint where your thighbone joins with your pelvis. Surrounded by cartilage, muscles and ligaments, your hip is the largest weight-bearing joint in your body. Smooth cartilage and bone help you walk easily and without pain.
The hip joint is covered with a rubbery type of tissue that pads the joints and is powered by large muscles. When all of the parts, 
cartilage, muscles and tendons are healthy, a hip should move easily.
A diseased hip is when one or more parts of the hip are damaged and movement becomes stiff. Over time, cartilage starts to crack or wear away. When this happens, the bones making up the joint rub together. Stiffness and pain occur when the ball starts to grind in the socket. Unfortunately, cartilage does not have the ability to repair or replace itself like other tissues in the body. Once cartilage is damaged or destroyed, it is gone forever.
There are many reasons why your hip may become diseased. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a condition that causes “wear and tear” to your joint cartilage. It typically develops after years of constant motion and pressure in the joints. As the cartilage continues to wear away, the joint becomes increasingly painful and difficult to move.
Inflammatory arthritis is a chronic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, which can cause swelling and heat (inflammation) in the joint lining, resulting in stiffness and pain.
Traumatic arthritis is inflammation of a joint resulting from an injury and is characterized by a breakdown of the bone and cartilage, bleeding in the joint space and increased thickness of the bone, a flattening of the joint surface, separation of joint cartilage from the underlying bone and/or erosion of the bone.
Total Hip Replacement
Hip replacement is one of the most important surgical advances of this century. Today, more than 300,000 procedures are being performed every year in the United States alone. Total hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, involves removing the diseased bone and cartilage and replacing it with orthopedic implants. Hip replacement may be recommended only after careful diagnosis of your joint problem. You may benefit from surgery if you have little pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, you have harmful or unpleasant side effects from your hip medications or other treatments such as physical therapy do not relieve hip pain.
The first step to returning to an active lifestyle is to make an appointment an orthopedic surgeon, such as Dr. Andre Matthews. After a thorough examination, your surgeon will make a recommendation regarding surgery. Generally speaking, you are a candidate if you experience hip joint pain that is severe enough to prevent you from carrying out normal daily activities and your pain is not responsive to nonsurgical treatments. Chronic hip problems can prevent you from enjoying everyday activities, but thanks to today’s advanced technology, you no longer have to live with pain. Total hip replacement surgery is the second step toward returning to a normally active, pain-free lifestyle.
Complications and Risks
Joint replacement surgery is a major operation. As with any major operation, there are possible complications. Some of these are related to the anesthesia, while others are associated with the joint surgery itself. Every possible effort is made by the medical team to prevent complications, but this cannot be accomplished without your participation. Therefore, it is important that patients know about the following, which include but are not limited to, infection, blood clots, implant breakage, dislocation, malalignment and premature wear. Any of these can require additional surgery. Although implant surgery is extremely successful in most cases, some patients still experience stiffness and pain. No implant will last forever and factors such as a patient’s post-surgery activities and weight can affect longevity. Your surgeon will discuss these and other risks with you.
There are many things that your surgeon will do to minimize the potential for complications. Your surgeon may have you see your family physician before surgery to obtain tests. You also may need to have any upcoming dental work completed or prepare your home to avoid any post-surgery falls.
Andre C. Matthews, M.D. Education and Experience
Dr. Andre Matthews at Baywood Orthopedic Clinic.
Dr. Andre Matthews Education:
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.
BA: Psychology, 1975
MA: Rehabilitation Counseling, 1976
Doctor of Medicine, 1980
Dr. Matthews’ internship in general surgery was at Maricopa Medical Center, here in Arizona. He completed his residency at Phoenix Affiliated Orthopedic. His residency program involved Maricopa Medical Center, Arizona Children’s Services and the Phoenix Veterans Medical Center.
Dr. Andre Matthews Experience:
Dr. Matthews is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. He has been practicing medicine since 1980 and has been in private practice since 1985. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He is a member of the American Medical Association and Maricopa Medical Society.
Dr. Matthews has extensive experience in counseling both patients and orthopedists in training. He has taught a variety of classes ranging from basic science for orthopedic residents to lectures for physical therapists in the orthopedic community.
Dr. Matthews serves as a consultant for the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, and the Phoenix Veteran’s Administrative Hospital. He was previously chairman of the Surgery Department’s Utilization Review Committee at Valley Lutheran Hospital.
Awards and Research:
Dr. Matthews has received many awards for his professional research and has published articles about orthopedic surgery.
More information on Dr. Matthews and an introduction, click here.
Click image below to view an interactive eBook slideshow with more information on the Baywood Orthopedic Clinic…
Baywood Orthopedic Testimonials
Baywood Orthopedic Patient Testimonials.
Some of the following patient testimonials are posted throughout the internet on message boards and directory sites…
“I have been so happy with Dr. Matthews, either he or his Nurse Practitioner Becky seem to be very knowledge concerning joint issues. Once I was diagnosed and surgery was recommended. Every step of the procedure and follow up were explained in detail and I was given a booklet of the information. I was so impressed that Dr. Matthews uses such modern methods and techniques in joint replacement. My recovery has been so much faster than I ever expected. I didn’t have nearly the ease of movement with my previous replacement. I highly recommend Dr Matthews for knee replacement surgery.”
“Thanks to Dr. Matthews I am able to hike the grand canyon, play 9 games of volleyball or tennis at a time, and have a very active lifestyle without pain. I had my Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstructed in Tucson by another doctor in 1985. Occasionally if I over did things,(like 9 games of volleyball in a row) my knee would swell up and I would end up on crutches and anti-inflammatory. After dealing with this for many years Dr. Matthews had to remove some screws that were giving me problems and suggested that at the same time he did the screw removal he cut a bigger notch so that when I did extreme amounts of sports, my ligaments would have more room. It was extremely effective! He is an incredible doctor! Since my surgery I have hiked in the grand canyon 3 times and I no longer have to fear doing the things I love to do!”
“I have been a patient of Dr. Matthews since 1986, having been seen and treated for a variety of different issues. He has been right on with his diagnosis and always attentive to my needs — quite a nice change from most of the other orthopedic surgeons I’ve seen. Thank you Dr. Matthews and staff!”
“It was easy to get the appointment time that worked for my schedule. I’m always amazed at how considerate and concerned they are for my well-being. Their advice is always wonderful and completely unbiased. They have a very good professional reputation. I know that I’m under the care of an expert. The one thing that I really enjoy about this place is their high level of customer service. Their full attention is always on me and they never take personal calls during my appointment. I’ve been to other places that answer their phone and it just drives me crazy. I will definitely refer my friends and family here. They were great and I think more people should know about them.”
“Great Ortho Physician – I have had hip trouble for most of my life (rheumatoid arthritis since I was a child) and Dr. Matthews is an excellent surgeon who helped me more than any single doc ever has. Lived without pain for nearly a year now, can finally exercise regularly, doing better every day. HIGHLY recommended.”
“I love how attentive they are here. Even when notified that they have a personal phone call, they always wait to take it later. Their full attention is always on me and it makes me feel special. I always have the best experience every time I have an appointment here. Although I have not had much to complain about, I have noticed that they strongly adhere to the customer is always right policy and if anything goes wrong make every effort to correct the situation. Everyone in my community knows that they are the absolute best in the field. Their staff is very friendly and professional. I’ve already told my friends and family about the fantastic experience I had there.”
“They made sure every single question I had was answered, and are always available if I think of any more questions I want answered. Their staff is professional and knowledgeable. All my questions were answered. The office was very easy to locate. I didn’t have any trouble finding it at all. I had a right knee replacement in 2008 and am now under Dr. Matthews care for problems with my left knee.”
“They made sure every single question I had was answered, and are always available if I think of any more questions I want answered. I was very satisfied with my visit. They were helpful and I left feeling encouraged. The office was very easy to locate. I didn’t have any trouble finding it at all.”
Q. – Does this provider always take that extra step to make you feel special?
A. – “Yes, I always enjoy my appointments.”
Q. – Did this provider thoroughly explain the risks and benefits of your treatment?
A. – “Yes, they made sure I had all the information I needed to make a decision”
Q. – Are you going to visit this provider again?
A. – “Without a doubt!”
Q. – Did the staff make you feel uncomfortable when you called with questions or concerns?
A. – “Not at all! They were happy to address every concern I had”
Q. – Does this provider treat every client equally?
A. – “Definitely, they make everyone feel equally respected and cared for”
Q. – Is this provider’s business conveniently located?
A. -” Yes, it is very conveniently located”
Q. – Was this provider sympathetic to your situation?
A. – “Yes, they were sympathetic and caring”
Q. – Were the staff members able to answer your questions?
A. – “Yes, they were able to answer my questions”
Q. – Are you confident that this provider will continue working with you until a solution is reached?
A. – “Yes, I know I can count on them to find a solution”
Stopping Injuries Before They Occur
Stopping Injuries Before They Occur.
For many surgeons, the temptation may be to solve all orthopedic problems with surgery. But Dr. Matthews knows that the best solution to some orthopedic problems may involve nonsurgical treatment. Dr. Matthews will always explore nonsurgical solutions first.
Every patient receives an education in the cause of their injury, in terms they can understand. That is followed up by a lesson in how to prevent the injury from reoccurring.
And if you’d like more information on a treatment that has been recommended by another physician, Dr. Matthews is available for a thorough second opinion.
The UniSpacer – More Innovation
The UniSpacer – More Innovation.
Until recently, patients who suffered from knee pain had three options:
- Arthroscopic debridement, which provides only a temporary solution
- Anti-inflammatory medications, which may have side effects
- Total knee replacement
But now, Dr. Matthews offers his patients the UniSpacer, an innovative device implanted in the knee to restore its stability and alignment and relieve the pain.
The UniSpacer means no cutting into the bone and no need for bone cement. All that is required is a small incision to properly place the UniSpacer in the desired position.
The UniSpacer procedure takes only about an hour and has proven so effective that it delays and often completely eliminates the need for a total knee replacement.
The 20 Minute Carpal Tunnel Solution
For many people, the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome makes the simplest tasks hurt unbearably. Fortunately, Dr. Matthews’ minimally invasive surgical procedure can reduce or even eliminate carpal tunnel pain in as little as 20-minutes. Ask Dr. Matthews during your next appointment.
Total Joint Replacement Specialist
Baywood Orthopedic Clinic, Mesa, Arizona.
Over the years, Dr. Matthews has found that his patients require special expertise when a total joint replacement is recommended. So Dr. Matthews has concentrated much of his medical effort on perfecting a “cementless” joint replacement procedure that helps return his patients to as much of their normal routine as possible.
In a typical joint replacement procedure, a special type of acrylic bone cement may be used to secure some or all of the implant 
components to the bone. In other cases, the implants may be secured to the bone without cement. These components have a special porous coating that allows your own tissue to grow into it for a more natural bonding. Manufactured by Sulzer Orthopedic, the cementless joints have a pure titanium coating because the material has been found to possess biological compatibility and flexible mechanical properties.
Cementless implants are generally used for patients who have higher activity levels and good quality bone.
Shoulder Replacement – Home Recovery
Shoulder Replacement – Home Recovery.
Exercise is crucial for proper rehabilitation. Therapy may begin the same day as your surgery and may continue up to four to six months post-op. Proper rehabilitation and willingness to follow all of your surgeon’s recommendations will contribute to a more successful recovery after surgery. Most patients are able to resume waist-level activities (writing) and possibly driving three to four weeks post-op depending on your surgeon and your condition. Activities such as golf, tennis and swimming can usually be resumed, but only after a thorough evaluation by your surgeon. Recovery time will vary for each patient.
High-impact activities or contact sports are typically not recommended. These types of activities place an extreme amount of pressure on the joints, which could lead to complications. Your surgeon will discuss this with you.
Your surgeon will likely continue to evaluate your progress during the life of the prosthesis on a yearly basis. These evaluations may or may not require X-rays. It is important to see your surgeon if you notice any unusual changes regarding your new joint.
Shoulder Replacement – Hospital Recovery
Shoulder – Hospital Recovery.
After surgery you will receive pain medication and begin physical therapy. Depending on the procedure, you may be encouraged to use your arm soon after the surgery. You also may be asked to begin shoulder exercises to regain motion and strength. These exercises can be performed at home or on an outpatient-basis with supervised therapy. The specifics of your rehabilitation will be determined by your surgeon based on your condition.
Most patients are ready to go home between one to two days after surgery and may be asked to do shoulder exercises at home or with supervised therapy. You will be shown a variety of exercises designed to regain mobility and strength in your shoulder. It is important to follow the physical therapy protocol provided by your surgeon in order to facilitate the recovery process.
Shoulder Replacement Orthopedic Surgery Overview
Shoulder Replacement Orthopedic Surgery Overview.
The shoulder joint is the third most frequently replaced joint after the hip and knee, with roughly 50,000 procedures being performed in the United States between 2005 and 2006.
Lack of range of motion and pain are the main reasons patients consider this operative treatment. Whether your pain and limited range
of motion is a result of osteoarthritis, a rotator cuff tear or a fracture, it can be very debilitating and can affect normal day-to-day activities.
The first step to returning to an active lifestyle is to make an appointment with your orthopedic surgeon. After a thorough examination, your surgeon will make a recommendation regarding surgery. Generally speaking, you are a candidate if you experience shoulder joint pain that is severe enough to prevent you from carrying out normal daily activities and your pain is not responsive to non-surgical treatments. Chronic shoulder problems can prevent you from enjoying everyday activities, but thanks to today’s advanced technology, you no longer have to live with pain.
Joint replacement surgery is a major operation. As with any major operation, there are possible complications. Some of these are related to anesthesia, while others are associated with the joint surgery itself. Every possible effort is made by the medical team to prevent complications, but this cannot be accomplished without your participation. Therefore, it is important that patients know about the following, which include but are not limited to, infection, blood clots, implant breakage, malalignment, stiffness, dislocation and nerve damage.
Any of these can require additional surgery. Although implant surgery is successful in most cases, some patients still experience stiffness and pain. No implant will last forever and factors such as a patient’s age and activity level can affect longevity. Your surgeon will discuss these and other relevant risks with you.
There are many things that your surgeon will do to minimize the potential for complications. Your surgeon may ask you to see your family physician before surgery to obtain tests to better understand your medical condition.
Common Reasons for Shoulder Replacement:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis), the most common form of arthritis, affects nearly 21 million people in the United States. It is a condition that causes “wear and tear” to your joint cartilage and develops after years of constant motion and pressure on the joints. As the cartilage continues to wear, the joint becomes inflamed and can result in unbearable pain and decreased range of motion. If non-surgical treatment options such as medication, physical therapy or lifestyle changes fail to provide relief, your surgeon may recommend a surgical treatment, including shoulder replacement.
Treatment: Shoulder replacement surgery replaces the damaged part of your shoulder. Sometimes, only the ball is replaced. Other times, both the ball and socket are replaced. The ball is usually metal and the socket is usually plastic. During surgery, an incision is made in the front of the shoulder. Once your surgeon exposes your shoulder joint, the surgeon will remove the damaged bone and cartilage. The head of the humerus is then removed so your humeral shaft can be prepared for the insertion of the metal stem and ball.
In the case of a total shoulder arthroplasty, the socket (glenoid) portion of your shoulder will also be resurfaced and replaced to re-create the natural contours of the bones in a healthy shoulder. In cases where only the humeral head is replaced, a hemiarthroplasty is performed. Both are options for patients with painful and disabling shoulder joints.
Inflammatory Arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis is a chronic joint disease that can attack any or all joints in the body. It can strike at any age and affects more women than men. In the shoulder, inflammatory arthritis causes the synovium to thicken and form a tissue growth (pannus) that clings to the protective cartilage and releases chemicals that attack and destroy it. The joint may become red and swollen, and pain may radiate into the neck and arm. Over time, the joint may become stiff and the muscles may weaken from lack of use. The bone also may be destroyed.
Treatment: Shoulder replacement surgery is used for inflammatory arthritis sufferers to relieve severe arthritic pain and inflammation that does not respond to medication or physical therapy. Surgery can improve pain and mobility, and is typically done only after age 50 since artificial joints tend to wear down after 10 to 15 years.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Most people with a small cuff tear can be treated arthroscopically.
Surgery for rotator cuff tears usually occurs when a patient has a combination of shoulder arthritis and a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles/tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis) that surround the shoulder in order to keep the shoulder centered while performing shoulder-related tasks such as elevating and rotating the upper arm.
When a massive rotator cuff tear occurs, pre-operative evaluations usually reveal that the rotator cuff is irreparable or the muscles have atrophied to the point where they can no longer support the shoulder joint. The degenerated muscles lose their ability to keep the humerus centered on the glenoid, causing your arm bone to move upward and out of the socket. This impingement of bone on bone, combined with arthritis and previous shoulder injuries, can cause severe pain with pseudoparalysis (false paralysis) or stiffness of the shoulder.
Treatment: Depending on the severity of the rotator cuff tear, your doctor may opt to perform a reverse shoulder replacement. In this procedure, the anatomy of the shoulder is reversed by attaching a metal ball to the shoulder bone and a plastic socket to the upper arm bone.
Fracture
The upper arm can fracture for a variety of reasons. Proximal humerus fractures are typically caused by trauma-related injuries such as a fall, but become more common in persons around the average age of 60 as they become more prone to osteoporosis. The proximal humerus includes four parts: the articulating surface, the greater and lesser tuberosity, and the humeral shaft. When complex proximal humerus fractures occur, they tend to break off into three or four parts in consistent patterns around the ball-and-socket joint. Fractures are the most severe injuries to the upper humerus and can be difficult to treat.
Treatment: Your surgeon may recommend that you do not have surgery, but instead participate in supervised therapy.
However, operative treatment is the most universal solution for these types of fractures that can be fixed. Depending on the age and severity of the fracture, your doctor may suggest shoulder replacement surgery. In this case, the ball and the upper portion of the humerus will be replaced in order to replicate the anatomy of the shoulder. The procedure usually helps regain shoulder function and reduces the amount of pain.
Avascular Necrosis
Avascular necrosis is a disease in which there is a temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone. A number of conditions, including long-term use of steroids or alcohol, a traumatic injury, rheumatoid arthritis or unhealed fractures can cause the blood supply to the bone to be cut off. As the bone dies, it collapses. Although avascular necrosis can happen in any bone, it usually affects the ends of long bones such as the humerus. When this happens, the shoulder becomes painful and movement becomes limited.
Treatment: The goal of treating avascular necrosis is to improve the use of the joint and to stop it from collapsing further. Treatment options will be based on your condition and may include medication, physical therapy or shoulder replacement surgery.
Baywood Orthopedic Clinic, Dr Andre Matthews, Mesa, Arizona. Call 480-981-1085.
Baywood Orthopedic Clinic
6345 E Baywood Ave.
(Just west of Banner Baywood Hospital)
Mesa, Arizona, 85206
Phone: (480) 981-1085
Fax: (480) 981-1597
Baywood Orthopedic Clinic
6345 E Baywood Ave.
(Just west of Banner Baywood hospital)
Mesa, Arizona, 85206
Phone: (480) 981-1085
Fax: (480) 981-1597
BAYWOOD ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC 