Lourdes Orthopedics Hosts Free Ongoing Joint Replacement Classes

Joint replacement surgery is becoming more common. More than 1 million Americans have a hip or knee replaced each year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Research has shown that even for older adults, joint replacement can help relieve arthritic pain and allow patients to move around easier.

Joint replacement surgery involves removing a damaged joint, in either the knee or hip, and implanting a new prosthetic replacement, typically made of plastic, metal, or both. The surgeon may remove and replace the whole joint or just repair the damaged areas.

To help educate patients, family members, and the general public about the procedure and how it may improve quality of life for those with joint pain, Lourdes Orthopedics is offering free ongoing joint replacement classes. These informal sessions, led by Lourdes orthopedic surgeon Dr. Efrain Paz, give an overview the procedure, and cover important topics such as:

• Conditions that may lead to joint replacement
• How to tell when a joint needs to be replaced
• What the procedure entails
• Pre-surgery planning
• Hospitalization and what to expect
• Post-surgery rehabilitation
• How to be active again
• Keeping the new joint healthy

Joint replacement classes will take place the first Wednesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at LourdesCare at Cherry Hill, 1 Brace Road in Cherry Hill, Suite E. Free parking is available on-site.

To learn more about these classes, or to register, call 609-747-9200.