Overview

Getting you back to your daily activities

As you age, regular wear and tear on your joints takes a toll.

Our joint replacement team helps restore function and reduce pain caused by diseased or damaged hip, knee, ankle, elbow and shoulder joints. We use the latest surgical approaches, including minimally invasive techniques, pain management advances, and physical therapy to get you back to your daily activities faster and with less pain.

Replacement treatments

Guiding you each step of the way

When you come to UW Health for joint replacement, we provide the care and support you need to prepare for surgery, recover and get back to the things you love to do.

Your care team includes doctors, surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses and rehabilitation therapists who guide you through each step. We encourage you to choose a family member or friend to be a part of the team to support you along the way.

Joint replacement, rehabilitation and revision

At UW Health, we evaluate and treat a range of degenerative joint conditions.

Joint pain and problems occur as a normal part of aging (osteoarthritis) and from repetitive motions related to a sport or work. Previous injuries, surgeries and other medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can also cause joint problems. We treat joint conditions in the:

Types of joint replacements 

The joint replacement team at UW Health uses advanced and minimally invasive techniques to perform joint replacements.

Procedures we offer include:

  • Ankle replacement

  • Elbow replacement

  • Hip replacement

    • Total hip replacement

    • Same day hip replacement

    • Double (bilateral) hip replacement

    • Robotic-assisted hip replacement

  • Knee replacement

    • Total knee replacement

    • Partial knee replacement

    • Same day knee replacement

    • Double (bilateral) knee replacement

    • Robotic-assisted knee replacement

    • Robotic-assisted partial knee replacement

  • Shoulder replacement

Rehabilitation after joint replacement

Rehabilitation and physical therapy are a key part of joint replacement. You work with a therapist to build strength and increase movement with your new joint. Learn about our specialty rehabilitation plans for:

Research

Improving joint care with research

The joint replacement doctors and scientists at UW Health work to improve joint care for you. Our teams study advancements and new treatments for joint replacements, such as regenerative medicine.

Learn more about our research

Meet our team

Team-based joint replacement care

The joint replacement team at UW Health includes experts in orthopedic surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation medicine.

Our providers

Locations

Joint replacement locations

We provide specialized joint replacement care at UW Health clinics in Madison.

Patient stories

Helping patients get back to what they enjoy

Joint replacement surgery provides many benefits. Find out how UW Health surgeons help patients just like you.

Knee replacement patient Susan Cowles
Susan's story

Susan Cowles was treated at UW as a child. Nearly 60 years later, her care came full circle when she underwent a knee replacement surgery.

Andy North swinging a golf club
Andy's story

Two-time U.S. Open golf champion Andy North turned to UW Health when he finally decided that he couldn’t put off hip replacement surgery any longer.

Dave Kunstman running outside.
Dr. Dave Kunstman's story

Family medicine Dr. Dave Kunstman found relief from knee pain cause by osteoarthritis. Following a less-invasive partial knee replacement surgery, he's back to his daily runs.

Lisa Steinkamp sitting with a yellow Labrador Retriever
Lisa's story

Knee replacement surgery meant Lisa could do the activities she loved without any pain.

Greg Converse sitting next to his bicycle
Greg's story

Greg's active lifestyle had taken a toll on his knees. But knee replacement surgery – and a positive attitude – meant he was back on his bike in no time.

Rob Zaleksi walking on a trail in the woods
Rob's story

Rob's life was transformed by two hip replacements, giving him a new outlook on the future.

JR Wetley
JR's story

JR lost more than 100 pounds so he could get knee replacement surgery.

Jay Wilson getting ready for his surgery
Jay's story

A total hip replacement put Jay Wilson back on the sidelines covering Badger football.

John DeSimone walking on a golf course
John DeSimone's story
John is much happier shouldering far less pain.
John Bohlman's story

John Bohlman gets back to backpacking after hip replacement surgery.