What Is Joint Replacement Surgery and How Do You Choose the Right Procedure?

Updated

Joint replacement surgery replaces a damaged joint with an artificial implant to reduce pain and restore movement. It is most commonly performed on the knee, hip, and shoulder. The right procedure depends on which joint is affected, how much of it is damaged, and whether your surgeon recommends a full or partial replacement — a decision that should be made with an orthopedic surgeon based on imaging and your symptoms, not by choosing a technique on your own.

The main types of joint replacement

Kansas Surgery & Recovery Center lists total joint surgery across three areas, plus partial and robotic-assisted knee options:

Procedure What it replaces Typical situation
Total knee replacement The entire knee joint surface Widespread knee damage or arthritis
Partial knee replacement Only the damaged compartment of the knee Damage limited to one part of the knee
Total hip replacement The hip joint Hip pain or damage affecting walking and daily function
Total shoulder replacement The shoulder joint Shoulder joint damage that limits use and causes pain

A surgeon determines whether you are a candidate for a total versus partial procedure. Partial replacement is generally considered when damage is confined to a single area, while total replacement addresses more extensive joint deterioration.

Traditional vs. robotic-assisted surgery

The facility offers robotic-assisted options alongside conventional joint replacement:

  • ROSA Knee — used for partial and total knee replacement
  • Mako Knee — used for partial and total knee replacement
  • DaVinci — listed for hernia and gallbladder surgery, not joint replacement

Robotic-assisted systems are surgical tools a surgeon uses during the procedure; they do not replace the surgeon's judgment. Whether a robotic approach is appropriate for you is a clinical decision. If this matters to you, ask your surgeon directly whether they use ROSA or Mako for your specific procedure and why.

What to consider when choosing where to have surgery

  • Surgeon experience and volume — ask how often your surgeon performs your specific procedure.
  • Hospital specialization — Kansas Surgery & Recovery Center describes itself as the state's leading orthopedic surgery specialty hospital and a physician-owned and operated facility.
  • Recognized quality ratings — the center states it consistently ranks high for joint replacement surgery by HealthGrades, an independent health care rating company.
  • Rehabilitation planning — recovery depends heavily on post-surgery physical therapy; confirm what rehab support is available before you commit.

Preparing for surgery

Preparation generally follows the same pattern as other surgeries: your care team gives you pre-operative instructions covering medications, fasting, and what to arrange for afterward. The center provides a New Patient Information section and a Joint Seminar for patients who want to learn more before scheduling. For immediate questions, the main number listed is (316) 634-0090.

Understanding cost before you commit

Cost varies by procedure, implant, and insurance coverage, so confirm your specific numbers rather than assuming. The center provides:

  • A Price Transparency page
  • A Self Pay Option
  • Financial Planning information
  • An Online Payment portal

Review these before scheduling so you know what your insurance covers and what you would owe. If you are paying without insurance, ask specifically about the self-pay option.

The bottom line

Joint replacement — knee, hip, or shoulder, total or partial — is chosen based on the extent of joint damage and your surgeon's assessment. Robotic-assisted options like ROSA and Mako are available tools, not automatic upgrades. Focus your decision on surgeon experience, the facility's orthopedic specialization and ratings, your rehab plan, and a clear picture of cost through the price transparency and self-pay resources.