Central Maine Healthcare

Where You are the Center

Bridgton Hospital

Joint Replacement

If you’re suffering with stiff and painful joints, even small tasks can feel like monumental challenges. And while medication or physical therapy may help ease your pain, sometimes surgery may be your best solution for long-term relief.

At Central Maine Healthcare, our board-certified, fellowship trained surgeons specialize in joint replacement of the hips, knees and shoulders – all common, highly successful treatments for people living with severe pain caused by arthritis, injury or other joint-related conditions.

Joint replacement procedures involve removing damaged bone and cartilage and implanting a state-of-the-art mechanical joint, which can restore your freedom and quality of life. Our team of experts will guide you through every step of your journey, from prehab to recovery – ensuring you recover quickly.

Relief Starts with Central Maine Healthcare’s Joint Replacement Specialists

Our joint replacement program has brought life-changing relief to hundreds of men and women throughout our Lewiston, Bridgton and Rumford communities. We’re here to do the same for you through:

Full Range of Options

Your surgeon will work closely with you to find the right procedure, depending on the severity of your condition and your unique needs and preferences. In addition to total joint replacement, we also partial joint replacement and joint repair and reconstruction, along with nonsurgical treatments like injections.

Better Precision, Less Incision

Orthopaedic surgeons at Central Maine Healthcare are trained some of the most sophisticated techniques and technology available in joint replacement. We offer the latest, most minimally invasive options like anterior hip replacement, a muscle-sparing alternative to traditional hip replacement. For you, this may mean often significantly less pain and blood loss, fewer complications, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.

Total Support for the Journey

We know joint replacement surgery can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve thoughtfully designed our Core Connect Care™ program, which keeps you with the same surgeon, doctors and nurses through every appointment. Every step of your journey is highly coordinated, starting with pre-surgery educational class so you know just what to expect before, during and after your procedure. We’ll then guide you seamlessly through surgery, physical therapy and life with your new joint.

Along the way, you’ll also have the support of your own multi-skilled team, including a personal nurse navigator to coordinate all your care, answer questions and provide extra support whenever you need it.

Faster Rehab and Recovery

With our specially designed program, plus the latest implant technology and surgical techniques, our patients spend less time in the hospital and in postoperative rehabilitation. Working one-on-one with a physical therapist, you may be up and walking the same day as surgery and back home in as little as 24 hours.

Orthopaedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Knee Replacement

If you’re living with severely painful knees, we know frustrating that can be, especially if physical therapy or other treatments haven’t brought the relief you need.

At Central Maine Healthcare, we specialize in total and partial knee replacement, in which an injured or arthritic joint is replaced with state-of-the-art, artificial components. In addition to relieving pain, the knee replacement can restore function and mobility and get you back doing what you need and love to do.

One of our board-certified orthopaedic surgeons can help determine if knee replacement or another treatment is right for you. One of our board-certified orthopaedic surgeons can help determine if hip replacement or another treatment is right for you. If so, you can count on the highest standards of care close to home, with a program that has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®, among other national distinctions.

You can also see every step of the process by watching our knee replacement videos.

Techniques to Help Free You from Knee Pain

Knee replacement may sound extreme, but it is one of the most common and effective procedures performed in the U.S., with approximately half a million knee replacements each year.

At Central Maine Healthcare, you can find even more peace of mind: our surgeons are trained in the latest, most minimally invasive options available to help you get moving again sooner.

With total knee replacement, damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the knee joint. Specially designed parts, called prostheses, are then placed in the knee. These pieces may be placed in up to three surfaces in the knee joint:

  • Lower end of the thigh bone (femur). The replacement part is usually made of metal.
  • Upper end of the shin bone (tibia), which is the large bone in your lower leg. The replacement part is usually made from metal and a strong plastic.
  • Back side of your kneecap (patella). The replacement part is usually made from a strong plastic.

As an alternative to total knee replacement, we also offer partial knee replacement. This procedure may be an option if your arthritis is confined to one area of the knee, and conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication or weight loss no longer provide relief.

Because only a single portion of the knee is replaced, you may experience less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and a more natural-feeling joint.

Support for Every Step

When it comes to joint replacement, the more informed you are, the better your experience. We offer a pre-operative class, so you know just what to expect before, during and after your procedure.

Along the way, you’ll also have the support of a dedicated team through our Core Connect Care™ system – which keeps you with the same surgeon, physical therapists, specially trained support staff and nurses every step of the way.

Faster Recovery

Knee replacement no longer has to mean lengthy hospital stays. Our personalized orthopaedic rehabilitation programs, available right on-site and in outpatient therapy locations, can you help get back on your feet faster. In fact, a therapy services may have you up and moving the same day as surgery.

Orthopaedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Knee Pain

Your knee is the largest joint in your body, which also makes it vulnerable to injury or other problems. Sports, exercise and general wear and tear can cause muscle strains, tendinitis and more serious injuries to ligaments and cartilage. Chronic conditions like arthritis can also cause cartilage to break down as you age. All of these can lead to serious knee pain and keep you from the living a full and active life.

Relief Starts Here

Whether you’re struggling with recent or chronic pain, the board-certified orthopaedic experts at the Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) can help. We’ll work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan, whether that’s physical therapy, pain management and other nonsurgical treatments, to the latest and most effective options in knee replacement.

Knee Conditions We Treat

Just some of our specialties include:

  • ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury
  • MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury
  • PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) injury
  • Torn cartilage
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Post-traumatic arthritis

Help You Get Back in Motion

We always begin by listening, to understand exactly what you’re dealing with and how it’s impacting your life. Then together, we’ll find the best solution for your pain, which may include therapy services, anti-inflammatory medications or other conservative treatments.

Sometimes, though, surgery may be your best solution for lasting relief. At OICM, we proud to offer a knee replacement program that has earned the Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission for providing the highest, national standards of care, right here at home.

Our skilled surgeons specialize in total knee replacement, as well as partial knee replacement if the problem is confined to one area of the knee. We use some of the most minimally invasive techniques available, often offering much less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and a more natural-feeling joint.

And we’ll there to support you every step of the way, from pre-surgery education through personalized rehabilitation and back to the life you love.

Orthopaedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Hip Replacement

There was a time when hip replacement surgery meant spending a week or more in the hospital, followed by a lengthy and sometimes difficult recovery. At Central Maine Healthcare, we offer the latest, most minimally invasive techniques to help you get back much faster to your active lifestyle.

One of our board-certified orthopaedic surgeons can help determine if hip replacement or another treatment is right for you. If so, you can count on the highest standards of care close to home, with a program that has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®, among other national distinctions.

You can also see every step of the process by watching our hip replacement videos. 

Anterior Hip: Get Moving Again Sooner

Older hip replacement methods required large incisions and detaching key muscles and tendons, resulting in more trauma. Central Maine surgeons specialize in newer techniques like the direct anterior approach, allowing them to reach the hip from the front side, so the joint can be replaced without damaging nearby muscles or tendons.

For you, that may offer a variety of benefits, including:

  • Less pain: The post-operative experience is usually much easier.
  • Less scarring: The surgery requires just a single, relatively small incision.
  • Fewer restrictions: Most patients have significantly greater mobility and range of motion immediately following surgery and can bear full weight when it feels comfortable. It is not uncommon for people to begin their recovery exercises within a few days of the procedure.
  • Shorter hospital stay: You may even be able to go home the same day as surgery.
  • Quicker recovery: Most patients recover and return to full function faster than traditional hip replacement.
  • Decreased risk of dislocation: A common concern for hip replacements is that the new ball and socket will fall out of place. Because the anterior hip technique does not bother surrounding tissue, you’re much less likely to experience dislocation or other complications.

Anterior approach isn’t right for everyone. Your surgeon will work closely with you to find the best option, which may include the posterior approach. This technique is performed with a single incision on the back side of your hip, and which has proven to produce excellent outcomes.

Support for Every Step

We know hip replacement surgery can feel daunting, but we make the experience as easy as possible. Every step of your journey is highly coordinated using our Core Connect Care™ approach, starting with a pre-operative class so you can feel confident and prepared.

After surgery, you’ll recover in one of our dedicated orthopaedic inpatient rooms, where one of our skilled physical therapists will help you get up and moving. We’ll continue to monitor your progress once you’re home to ensure you’re pain free and moving with ease.

Orthopaedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Hip Pain

As one of your body’s largest and most flexible joints, the hip is designed to withstand a good amount of wear and tear. But despite its durability, the hip isn’t problem-proof. Age- and injury-related arthritis can cause cartilage to break down. Muscles and tendons can tear from overuse. The hip bone itself can break from a fall or another injury. All of which can lead to serious hip pain and keep you from the active life you love.

Relief Starts Here

Whether you’re struggling with recent or chronic pain, the board-certified orthopaedic experts at the Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) can help. We’ll work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan, whether that’s physical therapy, pain management and other nonsurgical treatments, to the latest and most effective options in hip replacement.

Hip Conditions We Treat

Just some of our specialties include:

  • Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis
  • Osteonecrosis
  • A former failed hip replacement

Help You Get Back in Motion

We always begin by listening, to understand exactly what you’re dealing with and how it’s impacting your life. Then together, we’ll find the best solution for your pain, which may include therapy services, anti-inflammatory medications or other conservative treatments.

Sometimes, though, surgery may be your best solution for lasting relief. At OICM, we proud to offer a hip replacement program that has earned the Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission for providing the highest, national standards of care, right here at home.

You may benefit from the latest minimally invasive options like anterior hip replacement. This innovative technique is performed through a single incision on the front of the hip, as opposed to the side or back, so the joint can be replaced without disturbing surrounding tissue. For you, this may offer a variety of benefits, including less pain and faster recovery.

And we’ll there to support you every step of the way, from pre-surgery education through personalized rehabilitation and life with your new joint.

Orthopaedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine

Foot and Ankle Pain

We ask a lot of our feet over the years — from walking to running to hiking and more. In fact, the average person takes about 6,000 steps a day. To put that in perspective, that’s nearly 110 million steps in 50 years.

It makes sense, then, that with all this wear and tear that our feet and ankles often develop problems like shooting pains, stiffness or swelling. Left untreated, the nagging pain can become unbearable and keep you from what you need and love to do.

Relief Starts Here

Whether you’re struggling with recent or chronic pain, the board-certified orthopedists and podiatrists at the Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) can help. We’ll work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan, with options ranging from custom orthotics and exercise programs, to the latest, minimally invasive surgical options.

Conditions We Treat

Just some of our specialties include:

  • Bone or heel spurs
  • Bunions or corns
  • Bursitis
  • Clubfoot
  • Diabetic foot
  • Hammertoe
  • Fractures
  • Gout
  • Morton’s neuroma
  • Osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis or traumatic arthritis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Sprained and strained ankle
  • Stress fractures
  • Tendonitis
  • Tendon ruptures

Helping You Put the Spring Back in Your Step

We always begin by listening, to understand exactly what you’re dealing with and how it’s impacting your life. Then together, we’ll find the best solution for your pain, which may include conservative treatment such as modifying footwear, following a specific exercise program and medication.

However, if none of these doctor-led changes manage or resolve your pain, surgery may be the most effective treatment option for you. At OICM, foot and ankle surgery are generally outpatient day surgeries, which means no overnight stay and quick recovery, so you can get back to your life as quickly as possible.

We also specialize in treatments for foot problems caused by diabetes, a common issue for our central and western Maine communities. That includes surgical (or sharp) debridement, the gold standard treatment for severe diabetic foot infections. The procedure cleans out any dead or infected tissue, helping stop the growth of bacteria and making it easier for the body to develop healthy new tissue.

Orthopaedic Excellence, Close to Home

The Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine offers locations near where you live and work – so you never had to travel far to find the world-class care you need:

  • Central Maine Medical Center – Lewiston, Maine
  • Bridgton Hospital – Bridgton, Maine
  • Rumford Hospital – Rumford, Maine