When joint pain or immobility goes from being an occasional annoyance to a continuous nuisance that interferes with work and leisure activities, it's time to pay a visit to an orthopaedist at St. Vincent Medical Center's Joint Replacement Institute (JRI).
The JRI is a one-stop diagnosis and treatment center for people with chronic hip, knee or shoulder pain. For more than 16 years, the JRI board-certified orthopaedic surgeons have operated on thousands of patients, trained numerous other surgeons, been widely published in scientific research journals, and lectured at conferences. The JRI team has gained a worldwide professional following.
The new 9,000-square-foot JRI outpatient clinic is located adjacent to St. Vincent Medical Center and includes well-appointed examination rooms, diagnostic image viewing stations and research offices.
Patients are evaluated by orthopaedic surgeons at the JRI, who specialize in the latest procedures that conserve as much of the natural bone as possible. Orthopaedists and staff work closely with our patients and their families to create individualized treatment plans.
Total Hip Replacement
In this conventional treatment for severe hip pain, JRI surgeons use large femoral head technology that closely matches the body's natural ball-and-socket. In addition, the JRI is a lead study center for the newer ceramic-on-metal hip replacement implant.
Hip Resurfacing
An alternative to total hip replacement is a newer technique called hip resurfacing. This procedure requires a smaller implant than the ones used in conventional hip replacement. An examination of the hip and review of X-rays help the orthopaedic surgeon determine whether or not a patient is a good candidate for hip resurfacing.
Knee Resurfacing
In modern knee replacement surgery, only the worn-out cartilage surfaces of the joint are replaced, making this a resurfacing or "re-treading" procedure. The implants that are used now allow for range of motion that closely matches normal movement.
Shoulder and Elbow Replacement
Like the hip, the shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. Disruption of the cartilage in the shoulder bones allows arthritis to occur, which can cause debilitating pain and stiffness. Shoulder replacement can resolve this problem. In a similar manner, arthritis damage in the elbow can be addressed by an elbow replacement procedure.
Acute Rehabilitation Unit
St. Vincent Medical Center has an Acute Rehab. Unit that will help patients get back on their feet quickly following joint replacement. Physiatrists, physical therapists and registered nurses give each patient hours of therapy daily to help restore strength, balance and mobility.
For more information about the Joint Replacement Institute, visit www.jri-docs.com or call (213) 484-7600.