If your joints are slowing you down, here’s some great news — today’s joint replacements are built to last and designed to keep you moving. Thanks to cutting-edge technology and smarter implant materials, joint replacement surgeries are more successful than ever, giving you the freedom to walk, ski, and play pickleball and tennis without hesitation.
Danton Dungy, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with HonorHealth Orthopedics, dives into the incredible advancements in joint replacements — and how they’re helping people like you get back to living life to the fullest.
Hip replacements, reimagined
If you need a hip replacement, today's implants are stronger, last longer and are made to stay in place. Modern hip implants use titanium with a special coating that helps your bone connect to it for long-term stability. This is a significant improvement over older cemented implants, which could loosen over time.
What makes today's implants better? The materials used inside the joint. Modern implants are made from a mix of ceramic, cobalt chrome and special plastic, which reduces wear and helps the implant last longer. "Older plastic wore down and could cause bone loss and loosening," says Dr. Dungy. "Now, we use a special plastic that greatly lowers that risk and allows for larger, more stable implants."
Some materials didn't work as well as expected. Metal-on-metal implants seemed promising, but they caused immune reactions and tissue damage. "That idea was quickly dropped," says Dr. Dungy. "Now, we use Delta ceramic and advanced plastic, which are much more durable and wear down less."
Thanks to these improvements, modern hip replacements are more reliable than ever, helping you move with confidence and get back to doing what you love.
Next-level knees
Today's knee replacement implants are made from strong, long-lasting materials like titanium, cobalt chrome and special plastic (called cross-linked polyethylene). Some implants also use oxidized zirconium, which is a good choice for people with nickel allergies.
How long a knee replacement lasts depends on the quality of the materials, how carefully the implant is placed during surgery, and personal factors like weight and activity level. The best knee replacement is one that closely matches the natural shape and movement of your knee, helping everything stay aligned and stable for smooth motion.
Smarter surgery, faster recovery with technology
Advancements in technology, like computer navigation and robotics, have made joint replacement surgery more accurate and precise than ever. HonorHealth Orthopedics uses robotic-assisted technology to ensure the best fit and alignment for better knee function and longer-lasting results.
But it’s not just the technology that’s improving — minimally invasive techniques are making a big difference too. Most hip and knee replacements are now done on an outpatient basis, so patients can go home the same day.
A big part of faster recovery is preparing patients before surgery and using techniques during the procedure to reduce stress on the body. This includes:
- Improving your overall health by managing conditions and adopting healthy habits
- Keeping your body temperature, blood sugar and hydration levels stable
- Using IV antibiotics to reduce infection risk
- Minimizing opioid use with better pain management
- Helping you get moving quickly to prevent complications
HonorHealth Orthopedics is committed to patient safety, with a high success rate in giving antibiotics on time to prevent infections. Thanks to these advancements, joint replacement surgery is safer, more precise and helps you get back on your feet faster.
Life after joint replacement
After a joint replacement, it’s important for you to follow up with your provider as scheduled. Your orthopedic surgeon will check your progress with follow-up X-rays and physical exams to make sure the results are good and that you are on track to reach your goals.
Total hip and knee joint replacement surgery is highly successful. Advances in surgical techniques, technology and materials, along with better treatment before and after surgery, have improved patient outcomes, reduced complications and shortened hospital stays. With these breakthroughs, you can get back to enjoying life faster than ever.
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