If pain in your joints is having an impact on your everyday life, and you find it difficult to perform common activities, such as walking or getting in and out of a chair, then you will be pleased to learn about the new joint replacement program at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center. The program coordinates teams of specialized medical personnel to educate patients who are candidates for this type of surgery, and work with them on the road to recovery.

Joint replacement is a procedure in which a surgeon removes an arthritic or damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. New technologies have made these prostheses more durable than ever. The most common kinds of replacement surgery are total hip and knee replacement.

"Education is a key to the success of this new program," says Alan E. Cooper, MD, one of the orthopedic specialists who is looking forward to helping patients feel better. The more the patients know about the treatment and therapy they will be receiving, the better off they will be. By coordinating all of the services, the joint replacement program brings all of the physicians and medical personnel together, and helps them work towards the same goal. Programs of this nature have been implemented in other hospitals, and are being well received by everyone in the community. The patients will get better care as the procedures become streamlined and easier for everyone involved.

The most common condition that results in the need for joint replacement surgery is arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults. It causes the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the hips. But there could be other causes that require a joint replacement.

"The new program will be less stressful for patients, and when that occurs, healing time is improved," says John Pell, MD, an orthopedic surgeon who will also be serving on the team of the new program.

"By carefully explaining everything that will be happening to the patient, from the time they walk through the door, to the surgery and recovery period, and through any physical therapy that is needed, we are making it a win-win situation for everyone involved," Dr. Pell says.