At Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists, our specialty-trained joint replacement doctors in Wichita and Anthony are experts in providing evaluation and treatment for joint injuries and conditions.
Joint replacement surgeons most commonly treat patients with knee or hip conditions who require a hip replacement or knee replacement. However, these specialists also offer joint replacement surgical procedures for other types of joints, such as the shoulder joint. Sometimes, arthritis causes pain that leads to the need for a joint replacement. Other times, the need for a joint replacement could be due to a sports medicine issue, such as when an athlete severely damages a knee and needs a knee replacement.
These surgeons have obtained advanced orthopaedic training in joint replacement. This has allowed them to hone their skills in complex joint replacement procedures and surgical techniques to remove damaged bones and tissues and replace them with artificial joints, also known as implants.
Their training includes preoperative care techniques, hands-on skills, such as removing and replacing joints, using bone cement, and leveraging state-of-the-art or robotic-assisted technology. Joint replacement surgeons also know how important it is for patients who have procedures like hip replacement or knee replacement surgery to get proper postoperative care so their joints can heal properly.
Within the general category of joint replacement surgery, the surgeon will choose a specific procedure for a patient, either partial or total joint replacement. Even though the surgeon is trained to perform surgery, this specialist will always consider all nonoperative treatments first, like working with a physical therapist. If he or she believes surgery is not the best option at the time, they will not recommend it.
Signs You're Ready for a Joint Replacement
These experiences and symptoms can be related to joint problems and may be familiar to you, and they may indicate that either a nonoperative treatment or a new joint (implant) might be right for you:
- Difficulty sleeping because of joint pain
- Feeling of bones grinding
- Hip instability
- Increasingly dependent on a cane or walker
- Inflammation
- Joint feels loose or gives way
- Knee stiffness
- Medications are no longer offering pain relief
- Reduced range of motion
- Shoulder pain
- Unable to bend knee
Common Joint Conditions & Injuries
An orthopaedic doctor or surgeon that specializes in joint replacement may diagnose you with one of the following orthopaedic injuries or conditions:
- Arthritis
- Deformity
- Fracture
- Joint dislocation
- Osteoporosis
Exceptional Joint Replacement Care at Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists
When you visit Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists in Wichita or Anthony, you’ll meet with one of our fellowship-trained or specialty-trained joint replacement doctors, Dr. Kellis Bulleigh or Dr. Damion Walker. These medical experts treat patients just like you, helping restore them to better health and an improved quality of life. They not only provide medical care and patient education, but they also have a deep understanding of the challenges patients with joint replacement issues face and know how to listen to and address your questions and concerns.
It’s important to know that our doctors and joint replacement surgeons always strive to recommend a nonsurgical or minimally invasive treatment option first. Through their diagnostic process, they will be able to determine if a nonoperative treatment plan, such as physical therapy or medication, will be a better option than surgery.
However, if joint replacement surgery is needed, our joint replacement surgeons will apply their advanced skills to perform the surgery, using our state-of-the-art technology. Whether you’re undergoing a partial or total joint replacement surgery, they’ll be with you every step of the way, from your first consultation, during your surgical procedure, and through your recovery and rehabilitation.
Your Appointment
Our doctors in Wichita and Anthony can assess and diagnose your condition and consult with you about what treatment approach may be best for you. Sometimes, our joint replacement doctors may consult with other experts at Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists about your joint problem. This opportunity for doctors to share knowledge and perspective is just one of the many benefits of being treated by the experts at Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our joint replacement specialists in Wichita or Anthony by phone at (316) 219-8299 or by using the request an appointment button below.
