Joint Procedures Prolong Active Lives
Research is demonstrating that joint replacement doesn’t merely restore function to damaged joints. Restoring joint function now can prevent falls later, along with the complications and risks that accompany them.
As we mature, we want to maintain a healthy, active life. Advancements and improvements in joint replacements have made elective procedures more available, and more beneficial, for the people who want them. Recent research has confirmed the benefits of joint procedures. According to a study in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, as the number of major elective orthopedic procedures in the U.S. have increased, post-operative mortality and complication rates have fallen.
A joint replacement doesn’t merely restore function to a damaged joint. Knee or hip replacement also helps to prevent falls. Hip fractures suffered as the result of a fall by people age 65 and older can have devastating consequences. Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine looked at the effect of hip fractures on people living in nursing homes. More than a third of patients died within six months of a fracture. At one year, the mortality rate for hip fracture patients was nearly 50 percent. Even among fracture patients who did survive, many experienced complete loss of independent motion.
A joint replacement now can reduce your risk of a fracture later, when you are more vulnerable to fracture complications. If you are among the rising number of patients considering an elective knee replacement, statistics support a positive outcome:
- 90 percent of knee replacement patients reported a significant reduction in pain.
- 85 percent of artificial knees are still functioning 20 years after the surgery.
- 60 percent of knee replacement patients are women.
- 10 percent of knee replacement patients require revision surgery 10 years later.
If you are experiencing joint problems that make you an appropriate candidate to consider joint replacement, the expertise of our specialists, supported by our state-of-the-art facilities, are here to consult with you to determine the best course for you to maintain the life you love.
When to seek treatment for your arthritis
Arthritis doesn’t have to spell the end of an active life. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms or persistent pain, the renowned arthritis specialists at Summit Orthopedics can help. We work with you to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate conservative treatment plan. If nonsurgical treatments fail to support your lifestyle goals, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons will consult with you and discuss appropriate surgical options. Summit is home to innovative joint replacement options. Our Vadnais Heights Surgery Center is one of only two surgery centers nationally to receive The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.
Start your journey to healthier joints. Find your arthritis expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
More resources for you
- The Right Diet Can Help Manage Osteoarthritis
- Dr. Hansen Discusses Arthritis Fellowship Training
- Research Identifies Joint Replacement Patients Vulnerable To Opioid Use
- Exercise Goals For Osteoarthritic Joints
- Steer Clear Of Seven Foods That May Inflame Arthritic Joints
- How do Cortisone Shots work?
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Kristoffer Breien, M.D.
“I tend to be more conservative in my approach, reserving surgery as a last option. In essence, I strive to care for patients and their problems in the same manner my family and I expect to be treated when we seek medical attention.”
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Peter Daly, M.D.
“I understand the concern of athletes to get back to their sport. And I work in combination with our therapists to get them fully active.”
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Jack Drogt, M.D.
“As a hip and knee specialist, an orthopedic surgeon, and the President of Summit Orthopedics, I’m dedicated to providing patients with the highest level of care available. Our expertise extends beyond orthopedic care. We’re enabling people to live the lives they love.”
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Jeffrey Furmanek, D.O.
“My training has taught me to understand that the human body is a complex sum of its parts with an innate ability to heal. My role as an orthopedic surgeon can be an important part of this natural process.”
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James Gannon, M.D.
“Leading an active lifestyle provides an additional motivation to provide orthopedic care that will allow patients to return to the activities they enjoy.”
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Mark Holm, M.D.
“Hand and arm injuries can change your life. Timely care done with a thoughtful plan can minimize the long term effect of an injury.”
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Eric Khetia, M.D.
“My goal is to lead an active, healthy life and to allow my patients to do the same. Restoring them to pre-injury levels of functioning and allowing them to pursue the activities they enjoy inspires me.”
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Jerome Perra, M.D.
“My goal is always to return the patient to his or her highest level of function, and to individualize post-operative
and rehabilitation expectations.” -
Tracy Rupke, M.D.
“I am dedicated to providing the best care possible for my patients. I love running and understand every patient’s desire to return to their own life and activities.”
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Daren Wickum, M.D.
“Quality of life really boils down to remaining active. Keeping patients mobile keeps me on my toes. So does keeping up with my son.”
Also see...
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What Does Outpatient Joint Replacement Mean?
Orthopedic surgeon and hip and knee replacement specialist Kevin Lindgren, M.D., discusses the trend toward outpatient joint replacement and what patients can expect.
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When Is the Right Time for Joint Replacement?
Orthopedic surgeon and hip and knee replacement specialist Kevin Lindgren, M.D., discusses how to know if it’s time for a joint replacement.
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Meet Dr. Kevin Lindgren
Get to know Summit hip and knee replacement specialist Kevin Lindgren, M.D., and learn about his approach to orthopedic surgery and patient care.