Answers Before Your Visit

The practice is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. To make an appointment, call (715) 832-1400 or toll free at 1 (800) 322-1747.

Bring the details that help the team understand your condition and care history.

• Driver's license or valid photo ID
• Insurance information
• Referral letter, if your plan requires one
• Relevant reports, x-rays, MRI, CT scans, or other records
• Current medication list

For more detail, visit the Patient Journey page.

Hip replacement removes arthritic bone surfaces and damaged cartilage, then replaces them with prosthetic parts designed to recreate smooth hip motion and reduce pain.

Total hip replacement is commonly considered when severe arthritis creates disabling pain, stiffness, and loss of daily function that has not improved with more conservative treatment.

The worn ball of the thighbone is replaced with a ceramic ball on a stem, and the hip socket is prepared for a cup and insert. Together, the new components help replicate joint movement. Dr. Stewart uses a muscle-sparing hip replacement technique for the vast majority of primary total hip replacements.

Hip replacement may be considered when arthritis limits walking, bending, rest, leg motion, or everyday activity. Surgery is generally discussed after careful diagnosis and when medications, injections, physical therapy, or other conservative care do not provide enough relief.

Facility stay depends on where surgery is performed and the patient's medical needs. Cedar Crest Surgery Center is used for outpatient, same-day surgery. OakLeaf Surgical Hospital is used for overnight stay surgery, with many patients going home on the first postoperative day. Patients begin walking with a walker within hours of surgery, and most bear weight as tolerated unless bone quality or surgical findings require restrictions.

Recovery varies by patient. Many people resume light daily activities within three to six weeks, while full recovery may take three to six months. Some discomfort with activity or at night can be normal for several weeks. Follow your prescribed exercise and home-care plan closely.

All surgery carries some risk, though major complications are uncommon. Blood clots are a key concern after joint replacement, so patients may receive a blood thinner and be asked to wear compression stockings during the early postoperative period.

Hip replacement is widely recognized as an important surgical advance and helps hundreds of thousands of people each year reduce pain and return to normal daily activity.

Dr. Stewart had used both the Depuy Actis Stem and Depuy Gription Cup as well as the Stryker Insignia Stem and Stryker Tritanium Cup for several years.

Dressings are generally worn for the first few days after surgery. If the incision no longer has drainage, dressing changes may be stopped as directed.

TED stockings are typically recommended for the first three weeks after surgery to help reduce clot risk.

Joint replacement patients are usually placed on a blood thinner for the first three weeks. Depending on personal history and recovery, some patients may stop earlier under medical direction.

Knee replacement removes damaged or arthritic portions of the knee and replaces them with prosthetic components designed to move like a healthy joint and reduce pain during everyday activity.

This is a personal decision made with an orthopedic evaluation. Joint replacement may be discussed when pain is persistent, function is limited, muscles are weakening from avoiding activity, and conservative options no longer provide enough relief.

Facility stay varies by insurance coverage, medical status, and surgical setting. Cedar Crest Surgery Center is outpatient and same-day, while OakLeaf Surgical Hospital is an overnight stay setting. After knee replacement, patients begin walking with a walker within hours and work with physical therapy before discharge. Most go home when they have adequate support, while some use a short rehabilitation stay.

It is common to feel somewhat shaky or uncertain for the first day or two. As your routine develops, confidence typically improves. Pain medication may be needed while healing, and many patients use a walker or crutches for two to three weeks before moving to a cane or no gait aid, depending on recovery.

Patients with light-duty seated work often take four to six weeks off. More physically demanding jobs may require eight to ten weeks. Many patients resume driving within one to two weeks once they are off narcotic pain medication and feel strong, alert, and safe enough to drive.

Artificial joints can loosen or wear over time, sometimes requiring revision surgery. Longevity depends on factors such as age, activity level, implant design, and individual recovery demands.

The damaged surfaces of the thighbone and shinbone are shaped for prosthetic components. The kneecap may also be prepared if needed. Alignment, stability, and motion are checked during surgery before the components are secured and the incision is closed.

Dressings are usually worn during the first few days after surgery. If there is no drainage from the incision, dressing changes may be discontinued as directed.

Joint replacement patients are generally placed on a blood thinner for the first three weeks after surgery. Your personal history and recovery may change that timing under the direction of your care team.