Joint Replacement Programs

The Joint Programs at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center and St. Luke’s Health–The Vintage Hospital, Lakeside Hospital, Sugar Land Hospital, and Patients Medical Center deliver multidisciplinary, coordinated care to support our patients during every step of their journey. We offer state-of-the-art technology and use a patient-centered care model to provide thorough, advanced treatment for a variety of orthopedic conditions. With joint care coordinators, surgeons, hospitalists, therapists, and more, our team of experts has the tools to keep you in the game.

Why would someone need joint replacement surgery?

There are several reasons why someone might need a joint replacement:

1. Severe Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. When this happens, it can cause severe pain, stiffness, and loss of movement. If conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes fail to relieve symptoms, joint replacement may be necessary.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. This inflammation can lead to joint damage, deformities, and significant pain and disability. Joint replacement can help restore function and relieve pain in severely affected joints.

3. Traumatic Injury: Severe injuries from accidents or falls can damage a joint beyond repair. Fractures, dislocations, or other significant trauma to the joint might necessitate replacement to restore normal function and reduce pain.

4. Avascular Necrosis: This condition occurs when there is a loss of blood supply to the bone, leading to bone death and subsequent joint destruction. Commonly affected joints include the hip and shoulder. Joint replacement can help in managing the severe pain and functional limitations caused by this condition.

5. Joint Deformities: Congenital or acquired deformities that affect the alignment and function of the joint can cause significant pain and disability. In such cases, joint replacement can help in correcting the deformity and restoring normal function.

6. Chronic Pain and Disability: When chronic joint pain and disability significantly affect a person’s quality of life, preventing them from performing daily activities and enjoying life, joint replacement may be considered. This surgery can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life.

7. Failed Previous Treatments: When other treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or less invasive surgical procedures, have failed to provide adequate relief or improve joint function, joint replacement may be the next step.

8. Improved Outcomes and Durability: Advances in surgical techniques and prosthetic materials have made joint replacements more successful and durable. Patients who previously might have been advised to delay surgery now have the option to undergo joint replacement earlier, benefiting from improved pain relief and function.

Joint replacement surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with severe joint conditions, allowing them to return to their normal activities with reduced pain and improved mobility.