Orthopedic Procedures

Orthopedic

Joint replacement surgery is removing a damaged joint and putting in a new one. A joint is where two or more bones come together, like the knee, ankle, or shoulder. The surgery is usually done by a doctor called an orthopedic surgeon. Sometimes, the surgeon will not remove the whole joint, but will only replace or fix the damaged parts.

The doctor may suggest a joint replacement surgery to improve how you live. Replacing a joint can help you relieve pain and move and feel better. Coming to Panama for a joint replacement surgery can give you the freedom to get up and move around again.

Prior to Surgery

Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you have weakness in the affected area and require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery.

The Procedure

The procedure for a joint replacement surgery varies depending on the affected joint. Generally speaking, an incision is made over the joint to expose the underlying bones. The surgeon will remove either a part or the entire joint to make room for the replacement. The surgeon then positions the artificial joint and secures it with a strong adhesive.

After the surgeon has positioned the joint, the wound is closed and the patient is sent to recovery. This procedure is performed under general anesthetic and can last 2 or 3 hours.

After your surgery

With joint replacement surgeries, you may be able to go home in 3–5 days. How long you stay in the hospital will be determined by you and your team of doctors as they monitor your progress.

After joint replacement surgery of the hip, ankle or knee, you will often stand and begin walking with crutches the day of surgery. You may have pain around the new joint because of your surgery and because your muscles are likely weak from not being used. Remember that your body is healing; the pain can be helped with medicines and shouldn’t last for more than a few weeks.

Physical therapy will probably begin the day after your surgery. This will begin to help you strengthen the muscles around the new joint and help you regain your range of motion. If you have your shoulder joint replaced, you can usually begin exercising the same day of your surgery! A physical therapist will help you with gentle, exercises specifically designed for your condition. Before you leave the hospital, your therapist will show you exercises you can continue. The level of success that you achieve from your joint replacement surgery will mostly depend on your dedication to improving your strength and flexibility.

Risks

Joint replacement surgery has a success rate of over 90 percent. When problems do occur, most are treatable. Possible risks include infection, blood clots, loosening of the joint, dislocation, wear and nerve or blood vessel injury.

While there is always an element of risk, having an American-trained surgeon, a professional staff and a world-class hospital make your Panama joint replacement surgery at Punta Pacifica Hospital a safe and rewarding procedure.

Knee Replacement Surgery

The Procedure

In theory, the procedure for a knee replacement surgery is quite simple. Your surgeon will make an incision is made over the knee to expose the underlying bones. The surgeon will remove either a part or the entire knee joint to make room for the replacement. The surgeon then positions the artificial knee and secures it with a strong adhesive.

After the surgeon has positioned the joint, the wound is closed and the patient is sent to recovery. This procedure is performed under general anesthetic and can last 2 or 3 hours.

After your surgery

With knee replacement surgeries, you may be able to go home in 3–5 days. How long you stay in the hospital will be determined by you and your team of doctors as they monitor your progress.

After knee replacement surgery, you will often stand and begin walking with crutches the day of surgery. You may have pain around the new joint because of your surgery and because your muscles are likely weak from not being used. Remember that your body is healing; the pain can be helped with medicines and shouldn’t last for more than a few weeks.

Physical therapy will probably begin the day after your surgery. This will begin to help you strengthen the muscles around the new joint and help you regain your range of motion. A physical therapist will help you with gentle, exercises specifically designed for your condition. Before you leave the hospital, your therapist will show you exercises you can continue. The level of success that you achieve from your knee replacement surgery will mostly depend on your dedication to improving your strength and flexibility.

Risks

Knee replacement surgery has a success rate of over 90 percent. When problems do occur, most are treatable. Possible risks include infection, blood clots, loosening of the joint, dislocation, wear and nerve or blood vessel injury.

While there is always an element of risk, having an American-trained surgeon, a professional staff and a world-class hospital make your Panama knee replacement surgery at Punta Pacifica Hospital a safe and rewarding procedure.

Shoulder replacement Surgery
It is common to know someone who has undergone hip or knee replacement but shoulder replacement surgery is less common. But it is just as successful in relieving joint pain. Surgeons began doing shoulder replacement surgery in the 1950s; it was used as a treatment for severe shoulder fractures. Since then, the surgery has been used for many other conditions including:

Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis
Rotator cuff tears
Avascular necrosis
Failed previous shoulder replacement surgery
Severe fractures

At Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, we are ready to help. Coming to Panama for a shoulder replacement surgery can give you the fre Prior to Surgery
Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you have weakness in the affected area and require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery.

The Procedure

When undergoing a shoulder joint replacement surgery the patient receives either regional or general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a 3–4 cut to expose the shoulder. The surgeon inspects the muscles to see if any are damaged. He or she then dislocates the shoulder and exposes the head of the humerus. Only portion of this is removed. The center cavity of the humerus is then cleaned and enlarged to create an opening for the implant stem.

The surgeon then implants the artificial glenoid component. The surgeon prepares the surface and protrusions on the polyethylene glenoid implant are then fitted into holes drilled in the bone surface. Once a precise fit is achieved, the implant is cemented into position. The humerus, with its new implanted artificial head, is replaced in the glenoid socket. The surgeon reattaches the supporting tendons and closes the incision.

After your surgery

Following surgery, the repaired arm is placed in a sling, and a support pillow is placed under the elbow for protection. A drainage tube is used to remove excess fluid and is usually removed on the day after surgery.

A careful and well-planned rehabilitation program is very important for the successful outcome of a shoulder joint replacement. It should start no later than the first postoperative day. A physical therapist usually starts the patient with gentle, passive-assisted range of motion exercises. Before the patient leaves the hospital, usually two or three days after surgery, the therapist provides instruction on the use of a pulley device to help bend and extend the operated arm.

Risks

Shoulder replacement surgery has a success rate of over 90 percent. When problems do occur, most are treatable. Possible risks include infection, blood clots, loosening of the joint, dislocation of the prosthesis, wear and nerve or blood vessel injury.


Orthopedic Joint Replacement Surgery Joint replacement surgery is removing a damaged joint and putting in a new one. A joint is where two or more bones come together, like the knee, ankle, or shoulder. The surgery is usually done by a doctor called an orthopedic surgeon. Sometimes, the surgeon will not remove the whole joint, but will only replace or fix the damaged parts. The doctor may suggest a joint replacement surgery to improve how you live. Replacing a joint can help you relieve pain and move and feel better. Coming to Panama for a joint replacement surgery can give you the freedom to get up and move around again. Prior to Surgery Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you have weakness in the affected area and require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery. The Procedure The procedure for a joint replacement surgery varies depending on the affected joint. Generally speaking, an incision is made over the joint to expose the underlying bones. The surgeon will remove either a part or the entire joint to make room for the replacement. The surgeon then positions the artificial joint and secures it with a strong adhesive. After the surgeon has positioned the joint, the wound is closed and the patient is sent to recovery. This procedure is performed under general anesthetic and can last 2 or 3 hours. After your surgery With joint replacement surgeries, you may be able to go home in 3–5 days. How long you stay in the hospital will be determined by you and your team of doctors as they monitor your progress. After joint replacement surgery of the hip, ankle or knee, you will often stand and begin walking with crutches the day of surgery. You may have pain around the new joint because of your surgery and because your muscles are likely weak from not being used. Remember that your body is healing; the pain can be helped with medicines and shouldn’t last for more than a few weeks. Physical therapy will probably begin the day after your surgery. This will begin to help you strengthen the muscles around the new joint and help you regain your range of motion. If you have your shoulder joint replaced, you can usually begin exercising the same day of your surgery! A physical therapist will help you with gentle, exercises specifically designed for your condition. Before you leave the hospital, your therapist will show you exercises you can continue. The level of success that you achieve from your joint replacement surgery will mostly depend on your dedication to improving your strength and flexibility. Risks Joint replacement surgery has a success rate of over 90 percent. When problems do occur, most are treatable. Possible risks include infection, blood clots, loosening of the joint, dislocation, wear and nerve or blood vessel injury. While there is always an element of risk, having an American-trained surgeon, a professional staff and a world-class hospital make your Panama joint replacement surgery at Punta Pacifica Hospital a safe and rewarding procedure. Knee Replacement Surgery Prior to Surgery Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you have weakness in the affected area and require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery. The Procedure In theory, the procedure for a knee replacement surgery is quite simple. Your surgeon will make an incision is made over the knee to expose the underlying bones. The surgeon will remove either a part or the entire knee joint to make room for the replacement. The surgeon then positions the artificial knee and secures it with a strong adhesive. After the surgeon has positioned the joint, the wound is closed and the patient is sent to recovery. This procedure is performed under general anesthetic and can last 2 or 3 hours. After your surgery With knee replacement surgeries, you may be able to go home in 3–5 days. How long you stay in the hospital will be determined by you and your team of doctors as they monitor your progress. After knee replacement surgery, you will often stand and begin walking with crutches the day of surgery. You may have pain around the new joint because of your surgery and because your muscles are likely weak from not being used. Remember that your body is healing; the pain can be helped with medicines and shouldn’t last for more than a few weeks. Physical therapy will probably begin the day after your surgery. This will begin to help you strengthen the muscles around the new joint and help you regain your range of motion. A physical therapist will help you with gentle, exercises specifically designed for your condition. Before you leave the hospital, your therapist will show you exercises you can continue. The level of success that you achieve from your knee replacement surgery will mostly depend on your dedication to improving your strength and flexibility. Risks Knee replacement surgery has a success rate of over 90 percent. When problems do occur, most are treatable. Possible risks include infection, blood clots, loosening of the joint, dislocation, wear and nerve or blood vessel injury. While there is always an element of risk, having an American-trained surgeon, a professional staff and a world-class hospital make your Panama knee replacement surgery at Punta Pacifica Hospital a safe and rewarding procedure. Shoulder replacement Surgery It is common to know someone who has undergone hip or knee replacement but shoulder replacement surgery is less common. But it is just as successful in relieving joint pain. Surgeons began doing shoulder replacement surgery in the 1950s; it was used as a treatment for severe shoulder fractures. Since then, the surgery has been used for many other conditions including: Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Post-traumatic arthritis Rotator cuff tears Avascular necrosis Failed previous shoulder replacement surgery Severe fractures At Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, we are ready to help. Coming to Panama for a shoulder replacement surgery can give you the fre Prior to Surgery Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you have weakness in the affected area and require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery. The Procedure When undergoing a shoulder joint replacement surgery the patient receives either regional or general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a 3–4 cut to expose the shoulder. The surgeon inspects the muscles to see if any are damaged. He or she then dislocates the shoulder and exposes the head of the humerus. Only portion of this is removed. The center cavity of the humerus is then cleaned and enlarged to create an opening for the implant stem. The surgeon then implants the artificial glenoid component. The surgeon prepares the surface and protrusions on the polyethylene glenoid implant are then fitted into holes drilled in the bone surface. Once a precise fit is achieved, the implant is cemented into position. The humerus, with its new implanted artificial head, is replaced in the glenoid socket. The surgeon reattaches the supporting tendons and closes the incision. After your surgery Following surgery, the repaired arm is placed in a sling, and a support pillow is placed under the elbow for protection. A drainage tube is used to remove excess fluid and is usually removed on the day after surgery. A careful and well-planned rehabilitation program is very important for the successful outcome of a shoulder joint replacement. It should start no later than the first postoperative day. A physical therapist usually starts the patient with gentle, passive-assisted range of motion exercises. Before the patient leaves the hospital, usually two or three days after surgery, the therapist provides instruction on the use of a pulley device to help bend and extend the operated arm. Risks Shoulder replacement surgery has a success rate of over 90 percent. When problems do occur, most are treatable. Possible risks include infection, blood clots, loosening of the joint, dislocation of the prosthesis, wear and nerve or blood vessel injury.