Step 1: Initial Evaluation: At your initial evaluation we will look at your knee, hip, or shoulder in great detail. We will review your past treatment, x-rays, and medical history. At that point we will offer you an experienced opinion and review all your treatment options both surgical and non-surgical. In a great many cases we find that you do not yet need a joint replacement but can be treated nonoperatively with medicine, therapy, or a more conservative procedure. In other cases, I may find that you may need the services of a different physician if you do not meet my personal joint replacement criteria.

Step 2: Surgical Explanation: In the event that you do need a joint replacement, the procedure will be explained in detail. We will talk about the procedure, the hospitalization, and the rehabilitation. A great deal of time will be spent on the risks and complications of surgery so that you are certain you wish to proceed with the joint replacement. We have experience in minimal invasive knee replacement surgery, as well as, ceramic hip replacement surgery and we will discuss all of these techniques with you.

Step 3: Medical Preparation: We will review your medical history so that we make sure you are medically safe for surgery. This may involve consultation with your physician or a cardiologist. We will make sure you have no active infections and that you stop taking any medications that may prolong your bleeding at surgery. While this can be time consuming, it can help you have a much safer surgical experience.

Step 4: Pre-Operative Visit: At your preoperative visit we will answer any unanswered questions and make sure that everything is in order for your joint replacement.

Step 5: Surgical Procedure: I will personally do your entire operation from start to finish. I will open and close the case. I will write your postoperative orders and visit with your family. I will make daily rounds while you are in the hospital unless my associate is covering on the weekend. I will assist with all your discharge planning.

  have found that this five step approach to each individual patient helps you get through your total joint experience. While I cannot guarantee every patient outcome will be perfect, I can guarantee that we will pay attention to all the details. Finally, in some cases I will ask that you see a different physician for your surgery in the event that you have a unique problem that may be better handled by another surgeon or you do not meet my own personal surgical criteria. Our office prefers to perform primary joint replacement and so if you have had your joint already replaced by another surgeon, we recommend that you return to that surgeon. Some cases are so complex that a team of surgeons may be necessary or special equipment that may be unavailable in the community setting. In those cases, I will still perform a detailed evaluation and help you find the correct surgeon.