Surgical Specialties

The orthopedic surgeons of the Total Joint Center have excellent reputations and are among the most experienced in southeastern New England in surgeries that restore function to damaged joints, including total hip, knee and shoulder replacement surgeries. Orthopedic attending physicians at The Miriam Hospital are also assigned rotating emergency room responsibilities, and are always available to address an unexpected change in a patient's recovery.

Whenever possible, minimally invasive surgery techniques are used to perform surgery. Surgeons work in close cooperation with anesthesiologists to assure patients receive optimal pain control during surgery. They are committed to using the best, state-of-the-art equipment and sedation techniques, including nerve blocks delivered with ultrasound guidance, preoperative administration of medication for pain control, and specialized regional pain blocks. These techniques have dramatically improved the quality of the postoperative and recovery experience for the patient.

In some cases and when appropriate, computer navigation technology is used for knee and hip replacement surgeries. Computer navigation can assist the surgeon and improve the level of accuracy, bringing the precision of bone cuts and implant alignment in joint replacement surgery to a whole new level of accuracy, reliability and longevity.

Our Surgical Expertise

The Total Joint Center is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art care in treating injuries to the hips, knees and shoulders. Our surgeons are skilled at surgeries ranging from minimally invasive procedures to complex reconstructive surgeries.

State-of-the-art operating rooms are designed for specialized operations and pre- and post-operative care units are designed for optimal patient care. Our goal is to restore patients to normal function with the ability to move freely and without pain throughout life.

The last ten years have seen significant strides in the treatment of damaged joints, which is a very common cause of limited mobility, impaired quality of life and pain in middle-aged and older people. Surgical technique and the evolution of joint replacement implants have advanced dramatically, shortening patient recovery time, reducing pain and extending the life of replacements. 

The Miriam Hospital is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement, which is a designation given to hospitals that demonstrate an expertise in quality care by meeting objective clinical measures, resulting in better outcomes for patients.

Questions for Your Surgeon

Orthopedic treatments are intended to relieve pain in your arthritic joints and restore your daily function. Your doctor will plan your treatment according to your specific needs and condition. If nonsurgical treatments do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery. While you may want to consider a second opinion, it is important to get informed about the surgery.

The hospital where you choose to receive your surgery and the surgeon you choose are important to the success of your outcome. Studies have found that doctors who perform high numbers of procedures at facilities that have high surgery volumes have better patient outcomes. Take the time to find the right facility and surgeon for you.

These questions can help guide you in your decisions. Download this list of questions  and bring it to your next appointment to discuss with your doctor. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions from this list or any additional questions you may have.

At the Forefront of Orthopedic Research

As faculty members of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, our physicians train the next generation of orthopedic surgeons, and are actively engaged in research to develop new and ever more effective treatments.