Am I a Candidate for Joint Replacement?

Joint replacement surgery is typically reserved for patients over 55 years of age who have very severe joint pain and stiffness. However, thanks to recent advances in artificial joint technology, the procedure is now being performed in greater numbers on younger and older patients.  While circumstances vary, patients are candidates for joint replacement surgery if:

  • Pain is severe enough to restrict not only work and recreation, but also the ordinary activities of daily living.
  • Pain is not relieved by more conservative methods of treatment, such as physical therapy, medication and injections.
  • Stiffness and loss of function in the joint is significant.
  • X-rays indicate advanced arthritis or other problems.
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otal Joint Replacement (TJR) is a surgical procedure in which arthritic or damaged parts of a joint are removed and replaced with an artificial joint, or prosthesis. More than a million joint replacements are performed yearly in this country, and TJR is one of the most successful of all surgical procedures.  Chief among its benefits is the restoration of joint stability and function, the reduction or elimination of joint pain, and improvement in the patient’s overall mobility and quality of life. In most studies, after the initial post-operative period, 90 to 95% of patients experience complete or nearly complete pain relief. As the pain lessens, function also improves, allowing patients to get back to living.

Dr. Grimsley has extensive TJR training and experience, is a fellowship-trained specialist in adult joint reconstruction, and has performed thousands of joint replacement procedures.  He keeps abreast of the latest surgical techniques, such as minimal incision total hip replacement and MAKOplasty partial knee resurfacing.  He also utilizes advanced prosthetic materials, including 3-D printed implants that demonstrate long-term success, especially among younger, more active patients. Today, nearly 80% of hip replacements last for 20 years, and 95% of knee replacements last from 15 to 20 years.

Dr. Grimsley became an orthopaedist because of the gratification he gets from helping patients get better and get back to living. 

Dr. Grimsley treatment philosophy