Jefferson University Hospitals

Having hip or knee arthritis doesn’t necessarily mean that you need a hip or knee replacement, says orthopedic surgeon Matthew S. Austin, MD, a board-certified hip and knee specialist at Rothman Institute at Jefferson.

“There are plenty of non-surgical options for pain relief for hip and knee arthritis that patients can pursue before joint replacement, like physical therapy, injections, anti-inflammatory medications, activity modifications and weight loss,” Dr. Austin says. “At the Rothman Institute at Jefferson, we always consider those options before surgery.”

Should joint replacement prove necessary, patients should not automatically expect to undergo the newest, most heavily marketed procedure. “It’s important to let your orthopedic surgeon help you to determine the type of procedure that’s safest and most appropriate for you,” Dr. Austin stresses.

Learn more about Rothman Institute at Jefferson – ranked among the best in the region by U.S. News & World Report for six years in a row. Make an appointment with a Jefferson physician online or by calling 1-800-JEFF-NOW.