Written in simple, non-jargon language with over 1,200 copies sold world wide, this highly praised, unbiased resource is for anybody thinking about total joint replacement (hip or knee). For the everyday person, it creates a decision making framework to guide you through the entire journey by using a proactive approach and empowering you to a successful outcome:~ Dr. Hugate guides through the Orthopaedic Surgeon's point-of-view from every aspect including basis anatomy of the leg.~ Robert Holland guides you through the Total Knee Joint Replacement, the Hospital Visit, and How to Prepare Your Home, as well as adding his comments throughout the handbook.~ Francine Campone guides you through her journey with Total Hip Joint Replacement, as well as adding her comments throughout the handbook.~ Inger Brueckner explains the Physical Therapy (PT) for b oth hip and knee replacement and why PT is an absolute must!~ Dr. Checa explains your options in anesthesia. Did you know you have options?So, what's in this handbook for you?Empowerment - through knowledge and understanding!Insight - into the minds of the surgeon, anesthesiologist and physical therapist!Wisdom - from the patients and medical providers in their own words!Learn - that joint replacement is not the only choice, and so much more!Laugh - as our illustrator adds his own wry sense of humor in the form of cartoons!Understand - the roles of the various in-hospital medical professionals!Know - the risks involved with joint replacement and how to tell when things aren't going right!Plan - how to prepare your home for afterwards and what you can do to strengthen yourself before you go!See - the processes of arthritis and joint wear!Prepare - for physical therapy and why its so critically important!Realize - how your own human-factors act as a decision making matrixCreate Success - by including your family and teaching them how they can help!The Medical Contributors:~ Orthopedic Surgeon: Dr. Ronald R. Hugate Jr., MD, FAAOS - a renowned surgeon who also specializes in bone oncology and limb preservation, is a veteran combat-surgeon in the U.S. Army Reserves and has taken care of our troops in both Afghanistan and Iraq.~ Anesthesiologist: Dr. Gianni Checa MD - a renowned anesthesiologist and pain management specialist in Denver Colorado.~ Physical therapist: Inger Brueckner, MSPT - works with Dr. Hugate and is an excellent, senior physical therapist (and teaches and lectures on PT).The Patient Contributors:~ Dr. Francine Campone - whose had both hips replaced.~ Robert Holland PMP - whose had both knees replaced.The Blog:As far as the various methodologies explained in the handbook go, every joint implant manufacturer has their own, proprietary path. We didn't list these on purpose, as they are a biasing factor having much to do with commercial competition and corporate marketing. The basic principles of replacing a person's hip or knee joint will remain the same into the foreseeable future, the implant must be placed correctly and it is imperative that it be a good fit. While trends, materials, and methods concerning total joint replacement continually change and evolve, the decision making processes, the cautions and limitations, and the reasons for considering such a life changing operation all remain the same. Moreover, while each person's stay in the hospital will be somewhat different than described in the passages about the actual hospital stay (written by Mr. Holland based on his own experiences), many people have never been through such a profound operation as total joint replacement. The description of how it feels to go through this experience has been lauded by medical professionals and patients alike as being extremely...