Joint Replacement Surgery in Kirkland, WA

Dr. Robin Fuchs was one of the first surgeons in the Northwest to use computer-assisted navigation in the operating room in 2003. Computer-assisted navigation evolved into robotic-assisted surgery. Dr. Fuchs is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon that specializes in performing robotic-assisted surgery. Schedule an Appointment

Damaged and deteriorated joints can lead to severe pain in the affected area. Medication and physical therapy is often the first step in treating symptoms, but with patients who do not find relief using these methods, joint replacement is sometimes recommended.  Candidates for this type of surgery often experience:

• Pain that limits daily activities.
• Discomfort when at rest or trying to sleep.
• Significant loss of range of motion

Many patients who consider joint replacement surgery experience various forms of arthritis, which can cause debilitating pain and severely limit the range of motion in the affected area. The three main types of arthritis include:

Osteoarthritis

This form of arthritis occurs as people age. The cartilage between bones begins to soften and wear away. As this tissue deteriorates, the bones begin to rub together causing pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the membrane surrounding the joint, causing it to become inflamed and eventually wear away.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

After a serious injury such as a fractured bone or a torn ligament, severe and immediate damage to cartilage can occur. This cartilage loss can result in pain and stiffness.

What Is an Orthopedic Evaluation?

In order to determine whether or not a patient is a good candidate for joint replacement surgery, an orthopedic surgeon will perform an evaluation on the affected area. During this evaluation, the doctor will:

• Discuss your medical history. Dr. Fuchs will discuss your general health, the symptoms that you have been experiencing and when the symptoms began.
• Perform a physical exam. The doctor will test the range of motion, stability and strength of the affected area.
• Perform an X-ray and/or MRI. An x-ray will provide an image that can show the extent of the damage to the cartilage and bone and help the surgeon identify any abnormalities.

Arthritis, age, and traumatic injury can affect the entire body. The most common forms of joint replacement surgery are typically performed on the hips and knees.

Total knee replacement

Partial knee replacement

Hip Replacement