ArthroGuy

01/12/2026

🔍 Explaining a complex hip revision in simple terms

This patient sustained a periprosthetic hip fracture, meaning the thigh bone broke around a prior hip replacement. The supporting bone was damaged enough that the implant became loose.

Treatment required:
• Removal of the loose implant
• Placement of a long fluted tapered modular titanium stem to anchor in healthy bone
• Reconstruction of the fracture using cerclage cables
• Multiple specialized instrument systems to safely complete the revision

The final X-ray demonstrates near-anatomic alignment and stable fixation.

Patient imaging is shown with consent.

— ArthroGuy

01/12/2026

⚠️ The most common recovery mistake after joint replacement

Around week 4 or 5, many patients feel dramatically better — and that’s where trouble starts.

They suddenly increase activity:
• Walking long distances
• Prolonged cycling
• Doing far more than before

Even though symptoms feel better, healing is not complete.
That sudden increase often causes inflammation and pain, setting recovery back weeks.

Consistency > intensity.
Progress should be gradual.

Calm tissue heals better.

— ArthroGuy

01/11/2026

🦴 Bone cement explained — what patients never see

In joint replacement surgery, bone cement (PMMA) is mixed from a powder and liquid, then applied during a very precise time window.

It doesn’t act like glue.
It flows into bone, hardens, and locks the implant in place.

This video shows:
✔️ Mixing
✔️ Waiting for proper consistency
✔️ Implant application
✔️ Final hardness after curing

Precision matters.
Calm tissue heals better.

— ArthroGuy

01/11/2026

⚠️ Medical / surgical content (non-graphic)

This short video shows the final dressing I use on most of my knee replacement surgeries.

After the surgical leg is fully cleaned and dried, I apply:
• A polyester mesh to approximate skin edges
• A skin adhesive to provide protection and a barrier

Importantly, the dressing is applied with the knee in flexion, which helps:
✔️ Reduce skin tension
✔️ Minimize blister formation
✔️ Lower skin reaction to mesh and glue

Attention to these details can make a real difference in wound healing.

— ArthroGuy

01/10/2026

This is the second video

This is a silent, follow-along exercise video designed for patients in the first 2 weeks after knee replacement.👉 If you’re looking for detailed explanation...

01/10/2026

I have created and uploaded two Youtube videos for all my knee patients. In the first video, I go in depth about how to perform exercises and why each exercise is important. In the second video, you can just follow along. Hope you find this useful. - ArthroGuy

Here’s the first video

If you’ve recently had a total knee replacement, the first two weeks are critical—but they’re often misunderstood.This video walks you through exactly how I ...

01/10/2026

🐕‍🦺 Dog walking after hip or knee replacement: what patients need to know

Many patients feel great and want to return to normal routines — including walking their dog. But unexpected leash pulls are a common cause of early setbacks.

My recommendations:
✔️ Use a waist belt leash to keep your hands free and improve balance
✔️ Be aware of surroundings — squirrels, other dogs, bikes
✔️ Choose flat, predictable walking surfaces
✔️ Start with short, controlled walks

⚠️ If you have a large or aggressive dog (around 100 lbs), consider a professional dog walker during early recovery.

Protecting your new joint early leads to better long-term outcomes.

— ArthroGuy

01/09/2026

🦴 Strong hips protect your knees

This exercise is called the landmine curtsy, and it’s one of my go-to movements for building hip strength while being mindful of the knees.

By activating all three glute muscle groups, this movement helps improve hip control, reduce abnormal knee stress, and offload pressure from arthritic knee joints.

As always, form and load matter. Start light, move with control, and stop if pain develops.

— ArthroGuy

01/09/2026

🚪 A Day in Clinic: 3 Doors, 3 Very Different Stories

Ever wonder what it’s like behind the scenes? Here’s a typical Wednesday… except there’s nothing typical about it.

Door #1: Celebrating progress and milestones 🎉
Door #2: Addressing fears and concerns with compassion 💙
Door #3: Working through frustration when healing takes time ⏳

Every patient is unique. Every story matters. That’s what makes this work so meaningful.

Have you ever been in one of these rooms? Share your experience below! We’d love to hear from you. 👇

01/08/2026

Surgical Innovation: The Subvastus Approach to Knee Replacement

At our practice, we believe that how we perform your surgery matters just as much as the decision to have surgery.

What makes the subvastus approach different?

Traditional knee replacement techniques often cut through the quadriceps muscle. The subvastus approach preserves it entirely.

The technique:
• Slightly curvilinear medial incision
• VMO muscle is gently lifted aside, not cut
• Deeper capsule divided to access the joint
• Quadriceps muscle remains completely intact

Why it matters:
✓ Faster range of motion recovery
✓ Improved post-operative strength
✓ Enhanced overall outcomes

I use this approach in 99% of my primary medial partial and total knee replacements. Think of it as the equivalent to the direct anterior approach in hip replacement—a muscle-sparing technique that prioritizes your recovery.

While technically more demanding for the surgeon, the results for patients make it worthwhile.

Questions about surgical approaches or knee replacement? Contact our office to schedule a consultation.

01/08/2026

Beyond following your physical therapy regimen, there are three important precautions that can significantly impact your recovery after joint replacement surgery:

1. Use Assistive Devices Longer Than You Think You Need Them
I recommend using a walker for 1-2 weeks post-surgery, followed by 3-4 weeks with a cane. Beyond providing stability, these devices serve as visual cues to others in crowds and public spaces, signaling them to maintain distance and protecting your healing joint from accidental bumps or collisions.

2. Limit Stair Climbing
Stairs place tremendous pressure on your knee joint and quadriceps muscles during the critical healing phase. While some stair use is inevitable, minimizing trips up and down can help optimize your recovery timeline.

3. Monitor and Control Your Daily Steps
Use your smartphone or smartwatch to track your activity. In early recovery, more steps don’t necessarily mean better outcomes. Being mindful of your activity level helps protect your new joint while it integrates and heals properly.

Remember: Joint replacement is a significant investment in your long-term mobility and quality of life. Give your body the time and protection it needs to heal properly.

Have questions about joint replacement recovery? Feel free to ask in the comments.

01/08/2026

Understanding Our Patients: The Tourniquet Challenge

As orthopedic surgeons, we use surgical tourniquets regularly - particularly in partial knee replacements, revision cases, and various other orthopedic procedures. These high-pressure cuffs (reaching 250-350 mmHg) restrict blood flow to create a bloodless surgical field, allowing for optimal visibility during operations.

But what does this actually feel like for our patients?

I decided to find out firsthand by placing a tourniquet on my own thigh. The result? I barely lasted a few seconds before the discomfort became overwhelming.

Our patients endure this pressure for 1-2 hours during surgery.

This experience has given me profound respect for the resilience our patients demonstrate. While tourniquets are essential surgical tools that enable safer, more precise procedures, this challenge reminded me of the importance of minimizing tourniquet time whenever possible and ensuring optimal pain management protocols.

Have questions about knee replacement surgery or surgical procedures? Drop them in the comments below.