In treating patients with knee arthritis, we believe first and foremost in conservative, nonoperative treatments. These include medications, injections, physical therapy and bracing. However, many patients reach the point when these treatments are no longer effective. Once this point is reached, consideration needs to be given to total knee arthroplasty. The choice very often comes down to living with the pain and stiffness or thinking about this surgical option.
At the Marra Knee, Hip and Shoulder Center we use the very latest implants and techniques. We offer same day surgery options or more commonly an overnight stay, followed by returning to your home the next day. This allows us to make sure that you are comfortable with your pain and functional level before sending you home. We have a physical therapist working with you to be sure that you can get around adequately and are comfortable with use of a walker or crutches and stairs, depending on your home situation.
We offer the option of having a nurse and therapist come to your home verses going to an outpatient facility where you would go to get your therapy. Many people are most comfortable with the convenience of having someone come to the home, while others seek outpatient treatment which can potentially be somewhat more aggressive. It is completely your choice.
The latest innovation in total knee replacement involves the use of an orthopedic robot. We have extensive experience in the use of the Rosa robotics system. This may allow for greater precision in the planning and surgical execution of your knee replacement.
We use the latest knee replacement hardware models, not lesser cost designs that may have been on the market for years. Recently, studies have shown that uncemented implants with newly designed backing which strongly bonds to the bone may lead to better long term results. Although they are somewhat more expensive, we have been using these designs for approximately the past year and have noted very good outcomes. These designs have the potential to last for decades without needing revision.
Finally, we take our time with each total knee replacement we perform. We do not buy into the factory medicine model where how fast the procedure can be done is high on the priority list. We make sure that each measurement and bone cut is done as precisely as possible. We fit each implant to your bone as accurately as possible. We feel that attention to detail is of the utmost importance and leads to an overall better, more natural feel for your knee allowing you do get back to doing the things you love. Once you are healed and back to strength, we recommend that you return to all your previous activities with essential no restrictions.
Why you should NOT travel to New Albany or Pittsburgh or anywhere else for your joint replacement:
Local surgeons are as good or better.
At the Marra Knee, Hip and Shoulder Center, we have performed over four thousand joint replacement surgeries. We are a member of your community. We know you and give you personalized care. We are not a part of a “factory surgery” operation where you are a number on a surgery assembly line. Our outcomes are excellent and our complication rate is low. The “big city” is not better.
Do you know who will actually do your surgery?
While you may sign up for your surgery with one of the named surgeons in a group, often your surgery will actually be done by a trainee who is just learning how to do orthopedic surgery. This is common in larger groups. It is difficult to know who actually does the surgery. Dr. Marra has performed thousands of joint replacements and all of his surgeries are done by him personally.
Support your local community.
Your local physicians who live and work in your community support your local businesses, schools and organizations. We serve on the boards of local organizations and schools. Our houses are here. We support local contractors and plumbers and electricians. We buy and maintain our cars here. We buy our groceries and gasoline here.
Outside orthopedic surgeons drive to our community and take literally millions of dollars per year back to their communities. This does serious harm to the economy of the valley. It seriously harms our local medical and orthopedic community and medical facilities. We all need to support our local hospitals or as we have seen in the last few years, they will not survive. If you want to have local physicians and medical facilities available when you need them, then you must support them. Otherwise we will have none.
What do outside surgeons contribute to our community? Virtually nothing. They spend virtually nothing here but siphon millions of dollars out of our valley and local facilities.
Do you really want to go home a few hours after your surgery?
For some patients going home the day of your total joint replacement works well. For others it is a nightmare of pain and misery for the first hours and days. At the Marra Knee, Hip and Shoulder Center, we give you the option. If you would like to go home the day of surgery, we can easily arrange for that. Depending on your insurance coverage, we can arrange to have a home health nurse and or a physical therapist come to your home shortly after your arrival there. If you would rather spend the night after your surgery in the hospital, we can arrange for that. Our nurses will keep a close eye on you, manage your pain and any other post operative needs you might have. You will have a physical and occupational therapist working with you prior to your discharge home. You are not discharged until you are comfortable and ready to be at home. When you go home after surgery is dictated by when you are ready.
Would you like to have a physical therapist come to your home after your surgery?
Physical therapy after a joint replacement is an extremely important component in your successful recovery. Some out of town joint replacement groups do not allow you to have your choice in this matter. You are often not allowed to have a therapist come to your home. You must either go immediately to an outpatient physical therapist (often owned by the group) or may be convinced to use your phone or a wrist watch to do your therapy. Again, the overriding determinant here is the almighty dollar. The question becomes what is the cheapest, not necessarily what is best for you.
At the Marra Knee, Hip and Shoulder Center we give you the choice. We find that people enjoy the convenience and are often more comfortable having a licensed physical therapist coming to their home. If out patient physical therapy is desired, then that can easily be arranged. We do what is best for you and your needs.
What are you going to do if you have a problem after your surgery?
Although serous problems after a joint replacement surgery are relatively rare, mild or moderate problems are relatively common. What will you do if you have questions about how your wound looks? Maybe you are having some unexplained pain. In one these common situations, your only option to see the surgeon who did your surgery might be to jump in a car and drive an hour or two to his or her location. Often a problem will require several visits - several four hour (two hours there and two hours back) journeys. Having your surgery locally eliminates that worry.
Stay local for better care and a better outcome
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