The most commonly performed joint replacements are hip and knee replacements but the procedure can also be performed on other joints, such as the ankle, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

On this episode, Ms. Linda Wilhelm, President, Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance, and a patient advocate based in New Brunswick, talks about her shoulder replacement surgery. Linda discusses the decision-making process to have both shoulders replaced, what patients can expect in terms “of pre-habilitation” and post-surgery rehabilitation, including how to be the leader of your healthcare team and interacting with the orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist.

Resources

• JointHealth™ insight: The Road to Joint Replacement Surgery
• Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance 

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation

• Learn how to prepare for and recover from shoulder surgery 

Canadian Institute for Health Information

• Canadian Joint Replacement Registry Annual Report