At OrthoSC, the Grand Strand's largest and most comprehensive orthopedic practice, our specialty-trained doctors are dedicated to providing world-class care for a variety of joint injuries and conditions.

Pain in the knee, hip, or another joint can be debilitating. Joint replacement doctors are orthopedic surgeons who help people suffering from joint pain by performing surgeries such as hip replacement, knee replacement, and other types of joint replacement surgeries. The patients they serve are typically people who have tried conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, but the treatments no longer provide adequate relief for them.

These medical specialists can perform surgery on many different types of patients, such as people who have arthritis, shoulder problems, or hip pain. The type of joint replacement needed and the surgical techniques that are used can vary depending on the patient and the severity of their condition. For instance, some people may need a partial knee replacement while others require a total knee replacement. If it is a hip problem, the surgeon may use an anterior approach, which can minimize trauma to the muscles and surrounding tissue. There are also times when a patient needs to have a joint revision surgery, which is when the surgeon removes the person's current artificial joint and replaces it with a new implant. 

Joint replacement doctors consult with patients prior to their procedure to ensure they understand what the surgery involves as well as what will be required afterward. When the surgery is successful and they have a new artificial joint, many patients feel healthier overall. Not only is there an improvement in their mobility, but there is also an overall improvement in their quality of life and ability to perform daily activities after the joint replacement surgery.

When It's Time to Seek Joint Care

When you have joint pain, it's important to pay close attention to your symptoms so you can give your doctor a more detailed description of your pain when you go to your appointment, which in turn helps your doctor diagnose and treat you. Although every person experiences joint issues differently, here are examples of common symptoms you may be noticing:

  • Current artificial joint seems loose or unstable
  • Difficulty standing or walking
  • Hip swelling
  • Joint produces a bone-on-bone sensation
  • Knee feels unstable
  • Knee pain
  • Pain and throbbing at night, making it hard to sleep
  • Stiffness seems to be increasing
  • Swelling

Having any of the symptoms above may indicate one of the following common joint problems or injuries:

  • Arthritis
  • Cartilage degeneration
  • Current implant needs to be replaced
  • Degenerative joint disease
  • Deformity (knee, hip, shoulder, etc.)
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis 

Taking good care of yourself means seeing a joint specialist when you suspect a problem and taking action sooner rather than later. In doing so, you may be able to avoid further pain or the need for surgery. You may also reduce the risk of having your condition worsen or developing severe problems, for instance, if the damage advances over time and you begin to lose mobility. 

At OrthoSC, our doctors specialize in performing a wide array of joint replacement procedures. This includes total joint replacements, revision hip and knee surgery, total shoulder replacement, and outpatient joint replacement. Additionally, our experts also perform knee replacements using the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution, an innovative system that combines and simplifies robotics and surgical navigation.

To discuss your options, schedule an appointment with one of our joint replacement doctors by calling (843) 353-3460 or scheduling an appointment online.

Durable Medical Equipment

We understand that your injury or condition may necessitate the use of durable medical equipment to ensure a fast and effective recovery. 

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When you need the right care, right now for bone, joint, and muscle needs, walk into our orthopedic Urgent Care in Market Common or North Myrtle Beach seven days a week to get immediate help.

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Online Guide to Joint Replacement

Throughout your treatment journey, access our Online Guide to Joint Replacement for valuable resources, including details on procedures, pre- and postoperative care, and answers to common questions.

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Joint Replacement Program

We're committed to optimizing your joint replacement journey. Through our Joint Replacement Program, our expert team will guide you every step of the way to ensure a successful recovery.

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Innovative Joint Replacement Procedures

Joint replacement surgery has significantly evolved over the years, thanks to advancements in technology. At OrthoSC, we are committed to providing our patients with the latest innovations to ensure better outcomes and enhanced recovery. Staying at the forefront, specialty-trained joint replacement surgeons Dr. Brian Blair, Dr. Michael Bohan, Dr. Justin Brothers, Dr. Thomas Chambers, Dr. Tyler Noble, Dr. Peter Ramsey, and Dr. Todd Tupis offer leading-edge technologies in joint replacement: robotic-assisted joint replacement, AI-assisted joint replacement, and knee replacement with the Persona IQ® smart implant.

robotic joint replacement equipment

Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement

Robotic-assisted joint replacement represents a groundbreaking approach that combines the expertise of orthopedic surgeons with the precision of robotics. At OrthoSC, we were proud to be the first in the area to offer outpatient robotic joint replacement, and our experts utilize state-of-the-art robotic systems to perform these procedures.

By using advanced imaging techniques and real-time feedback, robotic systems allow surgeons to create personalized surgical plans tailored to each patient's unique anatomy. During the procedure, the doctor uses the plan and robotic assistance to perform the surgery and place the implants with unparalleled accuracy for optimal alignment.

With robotic-assisted joint replacement at OrthoSC, patients can benefit from:

  • Customized surgical planning for enhanced precision
  • Accurate implant placement for improved implant longevity and enhanced functionality
  • Minimally invasive techniques leading to quicker recovery

AI-Assisted Joint Replacement

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of orthopedic surgery by providing valuable insights and predictive analytics to surgeons. At OrthoSC, we integrate AI-driven technologies into our joint replacement procedures to optimize decision-making and improve patient outcomes.

AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of patient data, including medical history, imaging scans, and surgical outcomes, to identify patterns and trends. This data-driven approach enables surgeons to make more informed decisions regarding surgical techniques, implant selection, and postoperative care.

Moreover, AI-powered surgical assistants can assist in real time during procedures, offering valuable guidance and predictive modeling to enhance surgical precision and efficiency. By harnessing the power of AI, the surgeons at OrthoSC aim to deliver personalized, data-driven care that maximizes patient satisfaction and long-term success.

Key benefits of AI-assisted joint replacement at OrthoSC include:

  • Data-driven decision-making for optimized surgical outcomes
  • Real-time assistance and predictive modeling during procedures
  • Personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs

doctor using ai technology

IQ implant technology

A Smart Knee: Persona IQ Knee Replacement Implant

The Persona IQ smart knee implant offers unprecedented capabilities for monitoring and adjusting implant performance after surgery. OrthoSC is at the forefront of this technological revolution and the first in the region to offer it, pioneering the use of smart implants to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Smart implants have sensors and microelectronics that continuously monitor pressure, movement, and alignment within the joint. This real-time data is transmitted wirelessly to a monitoring system, allowing your orthopedic surgeon to track the implant's performance remotely and intervene if necessary.

The key features and benefits of knee replacement with a smart implant at OrthoSC include:

  • Continuous monitoring of implant performance for early detection of issues
  • Remote tracking and adjustment of implant parameters for optimized outcomes
  • Enhanced patient safety and satisfaction through proactive implant management

Outpatient Total Joint Replacement

Recover faster and feel better sooner. Our outpatient joint replacement program offers a streamlined approach to restoring your mobility. These benefits include minimal downtime, personalized care, and the comfort of recovering in your own home.

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Joint Replacement Center

World-class orthopedic care means offering the best long-term solutions for your unique joint pain. That is what our Joint Replacement Center was designed to provide, and it is the sole focus of our specialty-trained joint care team.

To provide the highest level of care, we offer procedures close to home at state-of-the-art facilities throughout the region. Use the links to learn more about these facilities or use the button to learn more about our dedicated Joint Replacement Center.

Our World-Class Joint Replacement & Revision Experts

Sports Medicine
Adult Reconstruction
Hand and Upper Extremity
Sports Medicine
Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery
Adult Reconstruction
Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement

Experience World-Class Joint Care at OrthoSC

At OrthoSC, our experts apply their medical knowledge and skills to treating you and your joint issue. They are dedicated to providing each patient with specialized orthopedic care and are equipped with the most advanced resources, which allows your doctor to focus exclusively on diagnosing and treating your joint pain.

Our board-certified or fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeons, Dr. Brian Blair, Dr. Michael BohanDr. Justin Brothers, Dr. J. Clark Butler, Dr. Thomas ChambersDr. Nathaniel EvansDr. J. Christopher Gayton, Dr. Max GehrmanDr. James Merritt, Dr. Edward Mikol, Dr. Tyler Noble, Dr. Peter Ramsey, and Dr. Todd Tupis, are highly skilled in their respected field of evaluating and treating joint-related injuries and conditions. A core component of their care is ensuring that every patient is educated about the pain-relieving treatment options that are available to them. Our doctors also consult with their patients, offering suggestions, listening to questions, and helping them decide which course to take. Finally, be assured that our joint replacement surgeons are committed to pursuing nonsurgical options first, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or injections. At the same time, our surgeons will recommend joint replacement surgery if they believe that is the best option to restore proper function. Regardless of the treatment you ultimately receive for your joint pain, our doctors will make sure to educate you about your condition, treatment options, and what you can expect afterward.

Having questions or concerns about your joint issue is normal. Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced joint replacement surgeons by scheduling an appointment online or by calling one of our convenient locations in Conway, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach – Carolina ForestMyrtle Beach – Market Common, or North Myrtle Beach at (843) 353-3460. We’re ready to help restore you to better health.