Joint Replacement Program

At the Sentara OrthoJoint Center®, our specially trained team of orthopedic experts use the latest hip replacement and hip resurfacing procedures. Our groundbreaking techniques offer you faster recovery and better results, so you can get back to doing what you love.

With extensive experience and unparalleled expertise, our specialists regularly perform successful hip replacement procedures and provide you with support and guidance throughout the entire process, from pre-op through recovery.

• MAKOplasty: Before your surgery, we will take a CT scan of your hip and use the images to create a 3-D model. Your surgeon will then utilize software that analyzes the model of your hip and provides information during surgery so that he or she can precisely position and align an implant. Your surgical team will also rely on a robotic arm to prepare your socket and guide the placement of the implants.

As the largest, strongest and heaviest joints in the body, knees provide support and mobility and carry almost half the body's weight. Knee replacement surgery is recommended for patients with severe knee pain and disability caused by damage to the cartilage from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or trauma. The surgery provides both pain relief and restoration of joint function.

• VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution and ATTUNE® Knee System: The VELYS Robot and ATTUNE Knee System are new technologies for robot-assisted knee replacement. They are designed to improve recovery by customizing the implant alignment to fit the patient's anatomy, providing a greater range of motion.
  
  • VELYS™ is available at: 
    • Sentara Leigh Hospital
• Mako SmartRobotics™ for Total and Partial Knee Replacement: Mako is an innovative solution for those suffering from painful arthritis of the knee. The orthopedic surgeon guides Mako’s robotic arm within the predefined area, and Mako’s AccuStop™ technology helps the surgeon stay within the planned boundaries defined within the surgical plan to prepare the bone for the implant. Mako surgery is performed by the orthopedic surgeon, who guides the Mako robotic arm during the surgery to position the implant in the knee joint. Mako does not perform the surgery, make decisions on its own, or move without the surgeon guiding it. Mako also allows your surgeon to make adjustments to your plan during surgery as needed.

Mako is available at these hospitals:

• Sentara Albemarle Medical Center
• Sentara CarePlex Hospital
• Sentara RMH Medical Center
• Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital

• Total knee replacement: A total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which the worn-out surfaces of the knee are resurfaced with metal and plastic components. Over the years, the cartilage that cushions the bones can wear away, causing pain and discomfort and making simple pleasures like walking or shopping unbearable. Knee replacement can reduce or eliminate pain, allow for easier movement, and get you back to normal life.

At the Sentara OrthoJoint Center®, we specialize in helping people with shoulder pain and stiffness. We work with you to determine the most appropriate plan to restore function and improve your quality of life. The majority of our patients enjoy significant pain relief immediately following one of our surgeries:

• Hemiarthroplasty: In this procedure, your surgeon replaces one half of the joint with an artificial surface and leaves the other half in its natural state. If your surgeon chooses this option, he or she will replace only the ball of the shoulder. For a stemmed hemiarthroplasty, he or she will replace the head of your humerus with a metal ball and stem, similar to a component used in a total shoulder replacement.
• Reverse total shoulder replacement: Your surgeon might recommend this procedure if you have severe arthritic damage and large, retracted rotator cuff tears. He or she will insert a metal ball section into the glenoid socket instead of the humerus and replace the head of the humerus with an implant that has a socket. Afterwards, your deltoid muscle, instead of the rotator cuff, will primarily move your arm.
• Stemless shoulder replacement: If your shoulder pain is caused by arthritis and you are active, you may explore this option with your surgeon. He or she will attach an implant to the head of your humerus without intruding into the shaft of the bone. This allows him or her to position the implant without complications from the shaft's shape and preserves the humeral bone shaft.
• Total shoulder replacement: For this procedure, your surgeon will remove the damaged part of your joint and replace it with artificial parts. He or she will make an incision in the front part of your rotator cuff to gain access to your shoulder joint and replace the socket and head of the humerus with new implants. Next, your surgeon will repair your rotator cuff to stabilize your shoulder joint.

Step by step support: From pre-op to recovery

We want you to know what to expect before you undergo a procedure. We offer preoperative (pre-op) education opportunities, a comprehensive guidebook that maps out the joint replacement process and a dedicated orthopedic patient navigator. You'll receive a pre-op checklist, wellness tips and exercises to help strengthen muscles before surgery. At Sentara, we understand that education empowers you to play an active role in your surgery preparation, care during the procedure and recovery afterward. We open the door to our resources so that you transition back to good health as soon as possible:

Sentara OrthoJoint Center® Patient and Family Guidebook

In your guidebook, you will find valuable health information, helpful hints and areas to write notes to keep all of your information in one place. You and your family will have a complete package of guidance at your fingertips so that it's easy to locate resources, access details on what to expect and track in writing all that you need to know. Your family and other support providers can start their journey of being a hands-on Coach for your recovery by looking through your guidebook and learning about all aspects of your pre-operation and recovery needs.

Dedicated orthopedic patient navigators

Our orthopedic patient navigators guide you through the entire joint replacement process — a service that is unique to Sentara. We know it's important for you to feel comfortable, confident and informed. 

Preoperative Education

Preoperative education is crucial for you and your Coach (a family member or a friend who will support you both before and after surgery) to gather all the information about your condition, pre-op care, what to expect, day-of surgery procedures and your recovery process.

Please visit our Joint Replacement Education page to access our educational tools to prepare you for your upcoming joint replacement surgery. This page also includes details about the location where you are having surgery.

What Is Same-Day Surgery / Express Track?

Your surgical team – your physician, your surgeon and your orthopedic patient navigator – may recommend our Same-Day Surgery program for you. If appropriate, our unique program offers you the possibility of returning to the comfort of your home within 24 hours after surgery. Please explore more about this convenient, patient-oriented option.