Dr. Joanna G. Branstetter, MD is an orthopedist in Tacoma, WA specializing in orthopedics/orthopedic surgery. She graduated from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine in 2003 and has 22 years of experience. Dr. Joanna G. Branstetter, MD is affiliated with Franciscan Medical Group and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.
1608 S. J Street 4th Floor
Tacoma, WA 98405
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. Joanna G. Branstetter, MD graduated from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine in 2003. She completed residency at Brooke Army Medical Center. She is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and has a state license in Washington.
Medical School: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine (2003)
Residency: Brooke Army Medical Center
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Licensed In: Washington
Dr. Joanna G. Branstetter, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Joanna G. Branstetter, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 8 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Joanna G. Branstetter, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Tacoma, WA.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Joanna G. Branstetter, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
Summit Surgical Corp. |
$2,400
$2,400 |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stryker Corporation |
$903
Mako $739 |
Variax $109 |
STRYKER PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS $35 |
INSPACE $20 |
|
ENCORE MEDICAL, LP |
$145
NEWCLIP $145 |
||||
Linvatec Corporation |
$129
BioBrace 23mm $129 |
||||
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. |
$116
SCP Bone Substitute $80 |
Product Portfolio $37 |
|||
Other |
$307
Regeneten $102 |
SYNVISC-ONE $83 |
SHOULDER IMPLANTS FIBERTAK KNOTLESS $56 |
AxoGuard Nerve Protector $55 |
AxoGuard Nerve Connector $11 |
Education | $2,400 |
---|---|
Food and Beverage | $1,305 |
Travel and Lodging | $296 |
Dr. Joanna G. Branstetter, MD has received 11 research payments totaling $40,821.
Dr. Joanna Branstetter practices orthopedics/orthopedic surgery in Tacoma, WA. After completing medical school at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, she performed her residency at Brooke Army Medical Center. In her practice, she is particularly interested in replacement arthroplasty (joint replacement). Dr. Branstetter's patients gave her an average rating of 5.0 stars (out of 5). Dr. Branstetter's professional affiliations include Franciscan Medical Group and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. According to Doctor.com, new patients are welcome to contact her office in Tacoma, WA.