MCG Joint Replacement Center

"In the summer of 1947, I danced in a marathon. Six weeks ago, it hurt just to walk across a room. With the pain in my hip, I thought I'd never dance again, but...
Now I can."

This is about you.
It’s about moving with less pain.
Having more freedom to do the things you want.
Feeling better.

Each year, more than 400,000 Americans have joint replacement surgery. The vast majority experience relief from their pain and a dramatic improvement in their quality of life.

The Medical College of Georgia Joint Replacement Center is a leading resource for joint replacement surgery. Our physicians see patients from throughout the Augusta, Georgia area and the southeast. We teach our techniques to the physicians who train at the Medical College of Georgia Hospital and Clinics. And we maintain ongoing research to improve joint replacement procedures in the future.

If you or a family member suffers from joint pain, the following will provide information about the option of joint replacement surgery.

“I can assure you the surgery is not that bad. I started exercising my knee the day after the operation. It’s just not worth it to keep suffering from a bad knee or hip when you can have something done about it.”
   Bill Jakes, 78
   knee replacement
   10/30/96

What causes joints to fail?
Like all mechanical things, joints can wear out. Sometimes it’s due to old injuries or deformities that take their toll later in life. In other cases, accidents are the cause.

But in most instances, joint failure is due to arthritis. Arthritis causes damage in and around the surfaces of a joint. Inflammation leads to swelling, tenderness and stiffness. Simple activities such as walking or kneeling can produce severe pain. Growing older shouldn't mean giving up your independence. Call us today so you can begin to enjoy life with less pain and more mobility. This is about you.

As a result, you may begin to change your normal routines. You may not exercise as frequently or you may avoid activities that cause you pain. Inactivity can cause other problems such as muscle weakness and weight gain that may complicate your condition.

Many people gain relief from joint pain through physical therapy or prescription medications. But as you get older and your condition worsens, many doctors now recommend joint replacement as the best solution.

Joint replacement procedures are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance plans. If you have any questions regarding insurance coverage, a financial counselor is available.

Joint replacement can improve your quality of life.
The most common joint replacement involves the hip, knee or shoulder. And for each joint, there are several options.

Joint replacement works this way:
During surgery the arthritic or damaged joint is replaced with an artificial implant. The implant is designed to duplicate the natural motion of the joint. For example, a hip implant has two components— a plastic-lined cup that becomes the new socket, and a polished metal or ceramic ball with an anchoring stem that fits into the thigh bone, or femur. In some cases, a bone cement is used to hold the implant in place.

Orthopedists at the Joint Replacement Center also use implants made from various porous metals that allow the bones’ cells to grow into and mesh with the replacement joint. This can make the implant last longer and may reduce the risk of complications caused by the breakdown of cement.

Here’s how physicians and staff at the Joint Replacement Center determine the best treatment for you:

• We thoroughly evaluate the severity of your joint pain.
• We evaluate your age, daily activities, exercise habits and the stress your joint normally tolerates.
• We determine if you can benefit from an alternative procedure or treatment program.
• Should you need joint replacement surgery, we review the need for a partial or complete replacement.
• We select the joint implant and choose the procedure that best fits your lifestyle.

If you have joint replacement surgery, you will be in the hospital for three to seven days. Our therapists and staff will get you on the road to recovery even before you leave the hospital. We’ll show you how to exercise and how to take care of yourself once you’ve been discharged. We’ll also instruct your family or support person how to help with your rehabilitation.

Our Directors:

Dr. Timothy Young is a Professor of Surgery, Assistant Chief of Orthopedics at the MCG Hospital and Clinics and Chief of Orthopedics at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Dr. Young is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and a member of the Georgia Orthopedic Society.

Dr. Raymond Scott Corpe is an Associate Professor of Surgery at MCG. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Georgia Orthopedic Society and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Dr. Corpe is a national and international lecturer on joint replacement and his research publications have an excellent reputation.

“The day I was referred to Dr. Young was the greatest day of my life. Having this surgery gave me the freedom to do the things I enjoy again. I’m like a different person.”
   Lewis Poppell, 73
   4/13/93, 4/12/94 (right and left knee replacements)

If you suffer from joint pain, call today so you can begin to enjoy life again:
706-721-CARE or 1-800-736-CARE.

Health Information:

Bone Disorders

Orthopaedic Surgery

Spine, Shoulder and Pelvis Disorders