Joint Replacements - Breaking Free From Joint Pain

If you’ve ever heard someone say they got a new hip or knee and walked the same day, you might think, “No way!” But according to Dr. Didi Omiyi, an orthopedic surgeon with Riverside Orthopedic Specialists, thanks to advancements in joint replacement surgery, that is often true.

The Evolution of Surgery

Dr. Omiyi has been in practice for about 11 years. His main focus is total joint replacement, including hip and knee replacement surgery. He also performs partial knee replacements and more complex cases.

One big change over the years is the implants themselves. Dr. Omiyi explains that the materials used in joint replacements have improved a lot. “We’ve definitely made a lot of great advances in the implants that we’re using,” he notes. Because the materials last longer, many patients get great longevity and good outcomes.

Recovery has changed, too. Dr. Omiyi says hospitals used to keep patients in bed for long periods. “When we first started doing these surgeries, we were so cautious,” he offers. “We would keep patients in the hospital sometimes for two weeks.” Now, doctors have learned that getting up and moving sooner is better for healing.

Dr. Omiyi also shares a common misunderstanding he hears from patients: the idea that joint replacement means being stuck in bed for weeks. He tells people, “When you have a total joint surgery, you’re not sick. The goal is to restore function, take away pain and get you up and moving right away.” Many patients show surprise when he reveals, “We’ll get you walking the day of surgery. You will go up and down stairs the day of surgery.”

Understanding the Nature of Less Invasive Surgery—and the Recovery Process

So, how can recovery be faster? Dr. Omiyi emphasizes “less invasive” surgery doesn’t only mean a smaller cut. It also means less muscle damage and less stress on the body. For hip replacements, he often uses a method called the direct anterior approach. This approach works so he doesn’t have to cut any muscles.

That can mean less pain and quicker recovery.

“We’ll get you walking the day of surgery. You will go up and down stairs the day of surgery.”

Technology helps, too. Dr. Omiyi explains he does many knee replacements using robotic technology. With robotic surgery, he is able to cut the bone more accurately and better match a patient’s body shape. He notes that this can make the joint feel more natural after surgery. “We digitally plan the surgery before we even walk into the operating room.”

Another reason recovery can be smoother is better pain management. Dr. Omiyi describes the use of multimodal pain control. This method uses different kinds of medicine to help mitigate pain. “You hurt less, you move quicker, you rehab quicker, you get back to everyday life quicker,” he assures. For many healthy patients, joint replacement can even be outpatient. Meaning, they may go home the same day.

“If you’ve got to the point where pain is affecting your quality of life, then it’s time to come in and let’s have a conversation.”

Top-Tier Care, Close to Home

Dr. Omiyi wants people to know that this high-level care can happen close to home. “Everything that you’ll get at a big center, we have right here at Riverside,” he offers. Staying local helps families, too. Why? Because one’s support system makes a big difference in their recovery.

If someone has been putting off surgery, Dr. Omiyi emphasizes simple advice. “If you’ve got to the point where pain is affecting your quality of life, then it’s time to come in and let’s have a conversation.”

To learn more about Total Joint Replacement at Riverside Orthopedic Specialists, visit myrhc.net/totaljointreplacement or call (815) 802-7090.

Listen to Dr. Omiyi's interview on the Well Within Reach podcast: