An In-Depth Look at Joint Arthroplasty With Dr. LaBaze

“Arthroplasty is the medical term for joint replacement surgery,” says Dr. LaBaze. “It’s one of the most common and effective orthopedic procedures proven to relieve pain, restore mobility and improve quality of life when a joint is too damaged to function properly.”

While most people associate arthroplasty with hip or knee replacements, it can actually be done on many different joints, like the shoulders, elbows, ankles and even small joints like those in fingers.

“There isn’t just one way to perform arthroplasty,” explains Dr. LaBaze. Surgeons typically choose from several approaches, including:

• Anterior approach
• Lateral or anterolateral approach
• Minimally invasive variations
• Posterior approach

“In my practice, I use the minimally invasive anterior approach, which has become increasingly popular for its potential benefits in recovery and mobility,” states Dr. LaBaze. The procedure typically follows the following steps:

• General or spinal anesthesia is given
• Access the affected joint through the anterior approach with small incisions to avoid cutting through muscles
• Remove the damaged bone and cartilage
• Place the artificial components

Realign the prosthesis, check for stability and smooth motion before closing the incision

“When people think of joint replacement, they usually picture someone with arthritis, but there are actually several reasons why arthroplasty can be a life-changing option,” says Dr. LaBaze. At its core, arthroplasty is all about reducing pain and helping you move more comfortably when a joint is simply worn out or damaged beyond what nonsurgical treatments can fix.

While many conditions may benefit from arthroplasty, let’s take a closer look at the top three:

1. Osteoarthritis

“This is by far the number one reason people end up needing a new joint,” says Dr. LaBaze. Osteoarthritis happens when the smooth cartilage that cushions the joint wears down over time. People usually describe:

• Pain that gets worse with activity
• Stiffness in the morning
• Swelling or a “grinding” feeling

“When medications, physical therapy and injections stop helping, arthroplasty can offer relief and get people back to their normal routines.”

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Conditions

These are autoimmune diseases where the body mistakenly attacks its own joints. Over time, this inflammation can damage cartilage and bone. When that damage becomes severe, a joint replacement can dramatically reduce pain and improve mobility — especially for the hips, knees or shoulders.

3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Unfortunately, older injuries can return and affect people years later. A past fracture, ligament tear or joint dislocation can change the way joints move, potentially leading to early arthritis. If that leads to chronic pain or limited motion, arthroplasty can help recreate a smoother, more functional joint surface.

Other orthopedic conditions that often lead to arthroplasty include:

• Avascular necrosis (AVN)
• Congenital or developmental joint issues
• Failed previous joint surgeries
• Severe joint deformity or loss of function

“Like any surgery, arthroplasty comes with risks and benefits, but for the right patient, the rewards are often life-changing,” says Dr. LaBaze. Risks of arthroplasty include:

• Anesthetic complications
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Implant loosening and wear, or failure over time
• Infection at the surgical site or around the implant
• Nerve or blood vessel injury (rare)
• Persistent pain or stiffness in some cases

“Patients who smoke or are obese are at higher risk for complications, including infection, delayed healing and a slower recovery. But quitting smoking and managing your weight before surgery can greatly reduce your risks,” emphasizes Dr. LaBaze.

Benefits of arthroplasty include:

1. Better quality of life

Less pain and more mobility allow patients to return to activities they enjoy and regain independence.

2. Improved mobility and function

Replacing the damaged joint restores smoother movement, which allows patients to walk, climb stairs, exercise and perform daily tasks with greater ease.

3. Long-term results

Modern implants are very durable, with hips often lasting 20 years or longer and knees 15 to 20 years.

4. Rapid recovery with minimally invasive techniques

Approaches like anterior hip replacement minimize muscle damage, helping patients walk sooner and return to normal activities more quickly.

5. Significant pain relief

Most patients experience a great reduction, or even elimination, of chronic joint pain.

“Arthroplasty is ideal for patients whose joint pain and stiffness are starting to interfere with everyday life,” claims Dr. LaBaze. While every patient is different, here are the main qualities of a good candidate for arthroplasty:

• Advanced arthritis or major damage
• Declining quality of life due to joint pain
• Little relief from nonsurgical treatment options
• Loss of mobility or function
• Overall good health and realistic expectations
• Persistent, life-limiting joint pain

Hip and knee arthroplasty is one of the most successful procedures in modern medicine. “Modern implants and techniques have made arthroplasty highly effective and durable,” states Dr. LaBaze. For most patients:

• A large majority return to low-impact activities, like walking, cycling, swimming and golf
• Hip replacements last 20 years or longer on average
• Knee replacements often last 15 to 20 years on average

“Many patients describe the surgery as getting their life back — no longer limited by chronic pain or stiffness,” says Dr. LaBaze. Hip arthroplasty is especially effective for achieving major results. Most patients experience near-complete pain relief, greater ease walking and standing and a quicker return to everyday activities.

“Knee arthroplasty takes a little longer than hip recovery, but the long-term results remain strong,” claims Dr. LaBaze. Knee arthroplasty patients experience reduced pain, improved stability and alignment and greater ability to walk, climb stairs and stay active.

“A few weeks after surgery, patients will begin physical therapy to improve their flexibility, balance and strength,” says Dr. LaBaze. Most patients can perform light daily activities like getting dressed, walking around the house and climbing stairs. It usually takes a month or two for strength, endurance and range of motion to improve.

“Every patient is different, and their bodies respond in their own time,” says Dr. LaBaze. “But generally, a full recovery can be expected between 3 and 6 months.”