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Dr. Jaclyn Aleksandra Konopka, MD is an orthopedic reconstructive surgeon in Marlborough, CT specializing in adult orthopedic reconstructive surgery. She graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Jaclyn Aleksandra Konopka, MD is affiliated with MidState Medical Center, Hartford Healthcare, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH ADULT SERVICES and Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute.
Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute
Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute
Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute
Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute
Hip Replacement
Hip replacement is a surgical procedure to replace parts of the hip joint that are damaged by disease or injury. It is most often done to treat arthritis, a common condition that causes stiffness and pain in the joints. Surgery is used only after other, less invasive treatments have failed to work.
The type of hip replacement patients receive is based on their age and the extent of damage to their hip. The hip joint has two parts: the femoral head, or hip ball, and the acetabulum, or hip socket. The hip ball is located on the upper end of the femur (thigh bone), and the hip socket is part of the pelvis. Depending on whether one or both parts require replacement, patients may need one of the following procedures:
During hip replacement surgery, an incision is made along the side of the hip. The surgeon may access the joint directly through this incision, or by using small tools and a lighted tube called an arthroscope to see and treat the joint. The diseased tissue is removed, and the bones are smoothed out and fitted with metal ends. The metal pieces may be cemented in place, or they may have a porous structure that encourages bone to grow into them and hold them securely. A smooth plastic cushion is placed between the two bones to replace the cartilage and allow the joint to move freely.
Hip replacement surgery takes one to two hours, and afterwards patients may stay in the hospital for several days. When patients go home, they will have to use a cane, walker, or crutches at first. Patients will likely have physical therapy to improve their ability to move with their new hip. After the first few weeks, light exercise such as bike riding or swimming will help them heal, but certain actions, such as climbing stairs or bending over at the waist, may be difficult at first. It will take several weeks before they can drive or return to work. Full recovery may take six to 12 months.
Replacement Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement)
Joint replacement, sometimes also called arthroplasty, is an option when a joint becomes severely damaged by disease or injury. The damaged cartilage of the joint is surgically removed, the ends of the bones in the joint are resurfaced, and a prosthetic is installed. Most prosthetic joints are made of a metal piece that fits into a plastic sleeve so that they glide smoothly. A joint replacement increases stability in the damaged area and decreases pain. The hip and knee are the two joints most commonly replaced, but joint replacement can also be performed on the ankle, shoulder, elbow and even fingers.
Although joint replacement is one of the safest and most reliable medical procedures available, it is still a major surgical procedure. All surgical procedures carry risks, such as infection or blood clots. For this reason, doctors try to help their patients avoid surgery for as long as they can. Taking arthritis medications, losing weight, avoiding high impact sports such as running, taking supplements such as glucosamine or chondroitin, or having joint injections may allow a patient to enjoy life without the need for surgery.
After having joint replacement surgery, patients can expect some pain the first few days as they recover. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery, and it can decrease complications and increase future mobility. As soon as possible, returning to low impact sports such as swimming, walking or biking can stretch and heal the new joint. A prosthetic joint can last 15 - 20 years and cannot be further damaged by degenerative diseases such as arthritis, so once it is done patients should be pain-free for many years.
Dr. Jaclyn Aleksandra Konopka, MD graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine. She completed residency at NYU Langone Medical Center. She has a state license in Connecticut.
Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine
Residency: NYU Langone Medical Center
Licensed In: Connecticut
Dr. Jaclyn Aleksandra Konopka, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Jaclyn Konopka specializes in adult orthopedic reconstructive surgery. She is affiliated with Optum. Dr. Konopka is a graduate of Stanford University School of Medicine. According to Optum, she is currently accepting new patients at her office in Salt Lake City, UT.
