Advanced Joint Preservation Techniques in Morgantown, WV
Innovative Joint Preservation to Restore Pain-Free Function
Joint pain from injury or arthritis can stop you from living an active life, but it doesn't always have to end in a joint replacement. The concept of joint preservation focuses on restoring normal, pain-free function to your hips, knees, shoulders, and ankles using innovative techniques designed to save your natural joint. By addressing joint pain early, it's often possible to repair damage, delay the progression of arthritis, and maintain your lifestyle without the need for a total joint replacement.
Since 1977, Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates (MOA) has been dedicated to helping patients in Morgantown and North Central West Virginia stay active. At our Center for Joint Preservation, our fellowship-trained surgeons utilize the most modern and innovative techniques in orthopedic surgery. We create personalized treatment plans for every patient based on their age, activity level, and goals. In partnership with Mon Health Medical Center, we offer a level of expertise in joint preservation that is unavailable anywhere else in the region. Our goal is to preserve your joint, relieve your pain, and get you back to the activities you love.
Don't wait until a joint replacement is your only option. We offer faster access to appointments so you can get the specialized care you need sooner.
What is joint preservation, and how does it work?
Joint preservation is a comprehensive approach to treating joint pain and dysfunction with the primary goal of saving your natural joint. Instead of replacing a damaged joint, these techniques aim to repair, restore, or regenerate damaged tissues like cartilage and ligaments to relieve pain and improve function. The process is highly personalized and involves a multi-modality treatment strategy. It can include non-surgical options like activity modification, physical therapy, medications, and specialized injections. For more significant damage, surgical joint preservation procedures may be recommended. These can range from minimally invasive arthroscopy to more complex surgeries like ligament reconstructions (e.g., ACL surgery), cartilage restoration, meniscus transplantation, or corrective osteotomies that realign the joint to offload pressure from the damaged area. The core idea is to intervene early to prevent further damage and delay or avoid the need for a total joint replacement.
What conditions can joint preservation treat?
Joint preservation techniques can be used to treat a wide range of conditions that cause joint pain and dysfunction, particularly in the knee, hip, shoulder, and ankle. These treatments are most effective for patients who do not have widespread, end-stage arthritis. Common conditions treated include cartilage injuries, where there is a specific area of damaged cartilage rather than global wear. Ligament injuries, such as ACL tears in the knee, are a primary focus for joint preservation to restore stability. Other conditions include joint dysfunction, meniscal tears, early-stage arthritic conditions, tendinitis, and bursitis. The ideal candidate is often a younger, more active individual who wants to return to a high level of function and avoid a joint replacement for as long as possible.
How do I know if I need joint preservation treatments?
If you are experiencing chronic joint pain, swelling, instability, or locking that limits your ability to perform daily activities or participate in sports, you may be a candidate for joint preservation. These treatments are typically considered when your symptoms have not responded to initial conservative measures like rest and over-the-counter medication. The key is to address your joint pain early, before the damage becomes too widespread for preservation techniques to be effective. A consultation with a joint preservation specialist is the best way to know for sure. The specialist will perform a thorough physical examination, discuss your activity goals, and use advanced imaging like an MRI to assess the health of your cartilage, ligaments, and bone, determining if you are a suitable candidate.
What is the recovery process like after joint preservation procedures?
The recovery process after a joint preservation procedure varies significantly depending on the specific surgery performed. For a simple shoulder, knee, or ankle arthroscopic procedure, recovery might be relatively quick, involving a few weeks of physical therapy. However, for more complex reconstructive surgeries, such as cartilage restoration or a knee alignment correction (osteotomy), the recovery is much more involved. These procedures often require a significant period of protected weight-bearing on crutches, sometimes for several weeks or months, to allow the repaired or regenerated tissue to heal and mature. Physical therapy is a critical component of a successful recovery, focusing initially on restoring range of motion and then gradually rebuilding strength and function. A full return to high-impact sports can take anywhere from six months to over a year.
How much do joint preservation treatments cost?
The cost of joint preservation is highly variable and depends on the specific treatment plan. Non-surgical options like physical therapy and injections are less expensive than surgical procedures. The cost of surgery will depend on its complexity, the technology or implants used, and your specific health insurance plan. The total cost of a procedure includes fees for the surgeon, anesthesia, and the hospital or outpatient surgery center. Because these treatments are medically necessary to restore function and prevent the progression of joint disease, they are typically covered by most health insurance plans. The financial team at Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates can help you understand your benefits and provide an estimate of any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
More Questions About Joint Preservation
Do I need a referral to see a joint specialist at MOA?
No, you do not need a referral to schedule an appointment at our Center for Joint Preservation. We provide direct access to our specialists so you can receive an expert evaluation for your joint pain without delay.
How quickly can I schedule an appointment for joint preservation?
At Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates, we are committed to providing timely access to care. We can often schedule new patient consultations much more quickly than larger hospital systems, allowing you to begin your treatment journey sooner.
What should I expect during a joint preservation consultation?
During your consultation, a joint preservation specialist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of your medical history, symptoms, and activity goals. They will perform a thorough physical exam of the affected joint and review any imaging you have. Your doctor will then discuss all your treatment options, explaining which joint preservation techniques might be right for you.
What are the risks of joint preservation procedures?
While generally safe, all surgical procedures have risks, including infection, blood clots, stiffness, and nerve or blood vessel injury. Specific risks related to joint preservation can include failure of a graft or repair, or the possibility that the procedure may not fully alleviate symptoms. Our experienced surgeons take meticulous care to minimize these risks and will discuss them with you in detail.