Total Joint Replacement

If you struggle with prolonged or severe knee, hip or shoulder dysfunction, consider total joint replacement from UNM Health. Approximately 600 patients get new joints each year at Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC) through their care at The UNM Center of Excellence for Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation.

Our staff is dedicated to creating the safest environment for our patients. We are working toward Joint Commission certification, which means we continually improve patient care, safety and pain control, as well as infection prevention protocols and team communication.

Our joint coordinators are there for you from day one for support and guidance. They answer questions, help schedule and coordinate appointments and get any clearances needed.

Find out if joint replacement surgery is right for you. We will review your X-rays and other imaging tests to create your care plan. To schedule an appointment with a UNM provider, call 505-272-4866.

High-Tech, Expert Surgery

Our experienced surgical team will take care of you in our state-of-the-art operating rooms. After surgery, you will be moved to a private room, generally on the fifth floor, with beautiful views of the either the Sandia Mountains or nearby surrounding open spaces.

Every member of the UNM SRMC health care team looks forward to providing you with expert care to ensure that the first few days after your surgery are safe and productive.

Total Joint Guide for Patients Video

Your Joint Replacement Surgery Guide

Damaged surfaces of the joint are removed from the surfaces of the bone. Then, the bone surfaces are reshaped to hold a metal or plastic artificial joint, which attaches to the leg bones using a special adhesive.

Learn more about knee replacement:

The affected parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with new artificial parts. The goals of replacing the affected areas are to decrease pain and increase hip joint mobility and overall function.

Learn more about hip replacement:

Our goal is for patients to remain in the hospital for no more than two nights following their procedure—shoulder patients usually remain one night. Over 75% of our patients are then discharged home, as opposed to a transitional care facility or acute rehab center, and that number continues to climb.

You will generally need six to 12 weeks of physical therapy after your procedure. This helps you build up your muscle strength and learn to function with your new joint. To contact your joint coordinator, call 505-994-7774.