Joint Replacement at UPMC in Central Pa.

Do you suffer from joint damage caused by injury, arthritis or another degenerative disorder? As one of the state's leading hospitals for total joint replacement, UPMC in Central Pa. provides coordinated care, from diagnosis through treatment and rehabilitation. Our multidisciplinary approach helps you recover quickly and return to your active lifestyle.

Surgical Expertise You Can Trust

At UPMC in South Central Pa., you will benefit from experience and expertise as well as the latest advancements.

Our top-ranked surgical services team consists of physicians, surgeons, nurses, therapists and care coordinators who will guide you every step of the way through procedures such as:

• Total knee replacement. In this procedure, damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap are replaced with an artificial joint made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers.
• Partial knee replacement. A partial knee replacement is an alternative to total knee replacement for some patients with osteoarthritis of the knee when the damage is confined to a particular compartment of the knee. It is done to replace either the inside (medial) part of the knee, the outside (lateral) part, or the kneecap.
• Anterior hip replacement. Anterior hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which damaged bones in your hip joint are replaced with an artificial hip.
• Total hip replacement. In a total hip replacement, the diseased cartilage and bone of your hip joint is surgically replaced with artificial materials such as a metal (or ceramic) ball and stem inserted into the femur bone and an artificial plastic (or ceramic) cup socket.
• Shoulder replacement. In shoulder replacement surgery, surgeons replace or cap the ends of the damaged upper arm bone (humerus) and usually the shoulder bone (scapula) with artificial surfaces lined with either plastic or metal and plastic. Shoulder joint components may be held in place with cement.
• Reverse shoulder replacement. A reverse total shoulder replacement is for people who have joint damage in their shoulders and also have damage to the muscles around the shoulder. In this procedure, after the surgeon removes the damaged bone and smooths the ends, he or she attaches the rounded joint piece to the shoulder bone and uses the cup-shaped piece to replace the top of the upper arm bone.
• Elbow replacement. In elbow replacement surgery, the damaged joint is removed and an artificial (prosthetic) joint is inserted.
• Ankle replacement. As an alternative to ankle fusion, which locks the joint in a fixed position and does not permit ankle motion, ankle replacement replaces the arthritic surfaces with metal and plastic low-friction implants.
• MTP joint replacement. A first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint replacement treats arthritis of the big toe. The joint is removed and replaced with metal or plastic parts or a combination of both.

Our joint replacement surgical techniques include:

• Conventional Joint Replacement Surgery
• Robotic-arm Assisted Surgery – a type of robotic-arm assisted surgery for partial knee, total knee, and total hip replacement.

UPMC in South Central Pa. is the only system in central Pa. to offer robotic-arm assisted surgery – for partial knee, total knee, and total hip replacement. Robotic-arm assisted surgery for partial knee and total knee are performed at UPMC Lititz, UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg, and UPMC Memorial. Robotic-arm assisted total hip is performed at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg and UPMC Lititz.

Joint replacement surgical techniques are chosen to meet your individual needs. Your surgeon will work with you to determine the best procedure for you.

Advanced Pain Management

UPMC in South Central Pa. offers comprehensive pain management. Prior to your surgery, your surgeon and anesthesiologist will discuss pain management options that are appropriate for you. After surgery you will be monitored closely to ensure your pain is controlled.

Compassionate, Coordinated Care

Our specialized nurse care coordinators guide you through every step of the joint replacement process. Your coordinator will be able to answer questions, help you prepare for surgery, assist you in recovery, expedite appointments and act as your liaison with your surgical team.

Need more information?

Request Information

Our Locations