Mahaska Health Partnership Offers Recommendations on Total Hip and Knee Replacements

Mahaska Health Partnership

MAHASKA COUNTY – As we age, a common symptom is joint pain and stiffness. MHP Orthopaedic Surgeon Sreedhar Somisetty, MD, explains how to treat this discomfort and when to consider joint replacement surgery.

When it comes to joint surgery, many factors play a role. “I am often asked when the right time is for hip or knee replacement,” Dr. Somisetty explained. “There’s no magic age or time for everyone, a lot of individual factors need to be considered.

“When discussing joint replacement surgery, I consider the patient’s age, range of motion and the affects their joint stiffness is having on their quality of life. Together, we then make a decision on if or when to have surgery. Before taking that step, we often look at other treatments to alleviate pain and stiffness.”

Arthritis is a common cause of joint pain and there are a variety of options available to treat it. “Medication, lifestyle changes or use of a cane or walker may relieve to joint pain,” Dr. Somisetty explained. “The challenge is to figure out the cause of joint pain, evaluate the options suitable to each patient’s circumstances, with the ultimate goal of giving them an independent and comfortable life.”

If other alternative treatments do not work, joint replacement may be considered. “As your pain and stiffness gets worse and interrupts daily activities, it’s time to discuss a joint replacement,” Dr. Somisetty advised. “Also, if imaging tests or deformities like severe swelling or bowed legs indicate bone damage, surgery may be your best option. It’s important to reach out to an orthopaedic surgeon when you first notice symptoms to avoid permanent damage.”

An important thing to consider before having surgery is the lifetime of the surgery’s effectiveness. “Most joint replacements only last about 20-25 years, so we don’t use this option lightly,” Dr. Somisetty cautioned. “A hospital stay, physical therapy and lifestyle changes are part of a successful recovery, so making sure you are dedicated to the process is also a vital step in the decision to replace a joint.”

Orthopaedic Surgeon Sreedhar Somisetty, MD, practices fulltime at the MHP Medical Group. He is an experienced surgeon treating patients of all ages for sports injuries, arthritis and joint issues. Through is specialty, he has extensive knowledge in the function and treatment of shoulder, hip and knee joints as well as the tendons supporting them. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Somisetty, call 641.672.3193.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.