Over time, hip joints may be affected by the wearing down of cartilage. This wearing down is known as osteoarthritis. It can cause pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. Advanced osteoarthritis, fracture-caused trauma, disease, tumors, infections, excess weight, and genetics are all reasons that can lead to hip surgery.
Local Hip and Knee Replacement
Dr. Aaron Altenburg is one of the region's only specialized lower joint surgeons, offering joint replacements of the hip and knee and complex revision surgeries. These orthopedic surgeries are provided with personalization and a focus on patient recovery and wellness.
We invite you to learn about our approach to orthopedic care. Please contact Altenburg Joint Replacement Surgery in Pocatello at (208) 904-0744.
The Hip and Knee Joints
From walking, running, bending, sitting, and climbing stairs, hip and knee joints are commonly used.
The Hip Joint
The hip joint is composed of a “ball” and “socket” combination that allows for a range of movements. Cartilage prevents the ball and socket from grinding against each other, and a ring of cartilage called the labrum is important for stabilizing the ball.
The Knee Joint
The largest joint in the body, the knee joint connects the thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap (patella). Cartilage allows for smooth bending, absorbs impact, and protects bone. The knee joint also includes cushioning and stabilizing pads called menisci and a fluid capsule called the bursae for friction reduction and lubrication.
What Leads to Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery?
Multiple hip and knee conditions may lead individuals to receive surgical treatment, though non-surgical approaches can adequately treat some hip and knee issues, and we encourage patients to look into these more conservative, non-operative options before deciding on surgery.
As with hip joints, knee joints can be affected by osteoarthritis, the leading cause of knee replacement surgery. Other inflammatory conditions may also lead to surgery. Problems resulting from meniscus and ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears, tumors, fractures, infections, overuse, obesity, inactivity, and structural conditions are also reasons for knee surgery.
Treatment from a Knee and Hip Specialist
Dr. Aaron Altenburg offers evidence-based and experienced care for hips and knees. He was trained at the Mayo Clinic, has 18 years of experience as an orthopedic surgeon, and has performed over 10,000 joint replacements. Trust his surgical expertise.
Providing Joint Replacement Surgery
Dr. Altenburg offers total hip replacement and total and partial knee replacement surgical treatments in Pocatello. Patients are given anesthesia before replacement procedures, and most patients are walking and return home on the day of surgery.
Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement surgery can make a significant difference as a relief to pain, stiffness, and/or mobility issues resulting from arthritis or other conditions. If physical therapy, injections, use of a cane, or other non-surgical interventions are not providing adequate symptom relief, total hip replacement may be recommended.
Procedure
A total hip replacement involves replacing both the ball and socket with artificial components.
The typical time for a hip replacement procedure is 1-2 hours.
Benefits
Substantial hip pain reduction, increased mobility, better sleep, and improved balance are some of the benefits attributed to hip replacement surgery.
Recovery
Recovery from hip replacement surgery may not be the same for each individual, but following is an overview of what you may expect.
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- Pain management, physical therapy, and assisted walking within a few days of surgery
- Physical therapy and increased yet limited mobility from one to four weeks after surgery
- Considerable reduction in pain and enhanced mobility during weeks five through twelve
- Full recovery and reinstatement of most activities in the three to six months following surgery
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Total and Partial Knee Replacement
If non-surgical care is not adequate for pain relief, a total or partial knee replacement might be the solution. A total knee replacement is also known as a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and a partial knee replacement is called a partial knee arthroplasty (PKA).
Procedure
With a total knee replacement, all three elements of the joint are resurfaced, and a spacer to support joint gliding is incorporated. Not all three of the joint elements are replaced during partial knee replacement.
Knee replacement surgery generally takes 1-3 hours to complete.
Benefits
Noted benefits of knee replacement surgery include relief from acute pain and stiffness. Knee replacement may help restore the ability to walk without pain, climb stairs, dance, play sports, bend comfortably, perform household chores, bicycle ride, and/or swim.
Recovery
Here is an overview of recovery following knee replacement surgery, though there may be differences for individuals in the processes and timeline:
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- Pain and swelling management with ice and rest directly following surgery
- Physical therapy and use of crutches or a walker during the first few weeks
- Gradual return to activities and unsupported walking in one to two months
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Hip and Knee Revisions
Dr. Altenburg offers hip and knee revision surgeries, which are for replacing a joint that has already been replaced. Whether replaced joint components have worn out, become loose, are unstable, or for other reasons are not functioning properly, hip and knee revisions are provided to support individuals’ well-being.
Recovery from revision surgery can be more time-consuming and may have a higher chance of complications than recovery from initial joint replacement surgery.
Benefits of joint revisions include pain relief, a restoration of function, and prevention of additional damage.
About Pocatello Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Altenburg
An orthopedic surgeon with 18 years of experience, Dr. Aaron Altenburg grew up in Southern Oregon, graduated from the University of Iowa medical school, and completed a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic.
He has performed thousands of joint replacement procedures and is board-certified by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery Q&A
When should I consider receiving hip replacement surgery?
Consider hip replacement surgery if your pain is prohibiting regular activities such as moving around your home. If medications and injections are not relieving pain, surgery may be the recommended approach.
How long will a replaced hip last?
Not all replaced hips last the same amount of time, but by far the majority will last 20 or more years.
What options are there besides hip or knee replacement surgery?
Non-surgical options include medications and injections. Physical therapy is another. Nerve ablation may also be a good alternative. Weight loss can also make a difference in pain reduction. Surgical options that are less invasive than total hip and knee replacement are arthroscopy and osteotomy.
How can I prepare for knee or hip replacement surgery?
Talk with a healthcare professional about what preparation would align with your situation. Preparation may include doing what you can to build physical strength, losing weight, and managing health conditions such as blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Preparing your home may be helpful, too. Have arrangements in place to avoid the use of stairs, remove tripping hazards, position items to help prevent bending, and make sure there are adequate clearances should you be using a walker.
Schedule Orthopedic Care in Pocatello
Hip and knee replacement services are offered in Pocatello by the Altenburg Joint Replacement Surgery team.
Pocatello in-office appointments with Dr. Altenburg are scheduled for every other Thursday and every Friday.
Altenburg Joint Replacement Surgery
150 Vista Dr
Pocatello, ID 83201
Mon - Thurs: 8am-5pm | Fri: 8am-12pm | Sat & Sun: Closed
