Considering More Than One Joint Replacement? What to Expect and How to Have the Best Outcome
After multiple joint replacement surgeries, my patient Lorry jokingly calls herself a “bionic woman.” She always enjoyed an active lifestyle, so when arthritis caused by wear and tear started to take an unwelcome toll on her knees and hips, she refused to take it sitting down. Over the last six years, she has received four joint replacements – both knees and both hips – so she could enjoy life without pain. It’s not unusual for patients to have advanced arthritis in two joints. Having four joint replacements is less common, but it does happen. I recommend that people considering multiple joint replacement surgeries do their research to find a high-volume joint replacement center and a highly experienced orthopedic surgeon who takes the time to answer all their questions and with whom they feel comfortable. For someone having more than one joint replacement, timing and recovery are important, and no two patients are alike. If someone has painful arthritis in both knees, for example,...