Leaders in Orthopedic Care

Knee Replacement Recognition
McLaren Flint Ranked as a High Performing Hospital

We’re that one.

McLaren Flint Doing Whats Best Logo

McLaren Flint meets high expectations in patient quality and satisfaction

The hospital’s Joint Replacement Patient Care Unit is in the 90th percentile or higher as compared to all hospitals in the Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Data Base. Program specific, internal quality reports comparable or better than the National Average according to hospital compare and nationally published reports.

  • Lower Blood Transfusion Rate
  • Lower 30-Day Readmission Rate
  • Lower Complication Rate
  • Shorter Hospital Stay
  • Lower Admissions to Skilled Nursing Facilities after a Joint Replacement

Why Our Patient Care Unit is Unique

  • Dedicated Nursing and Therapy Staff with a proactive approach to patient healing and quality of care
  • Advanced Pain Control Regimen that allows for a quicker and safer recovery
  • All Private Rooms
  • Patient Friendly Pre-Operative Education Classes
  • Discharge Planning tailored to fit individual needs
  • Hospitality House for Family or Caregiver Needs
  • Same Day Surgery Joint Replacement

If you have any questions regarding our program, please call our Joint Program Coordinator

Joint Program Coordinator: (810) 342-4289

Orthopedic Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery at McLaren Flint

The Orthopedic Surgery team at McLaren Flint uses advanced imaging technologies and innovative surgical procedures to produce the best outcomes for patients. That includes being the first and only area hospital offering Mako robotic-arm assisted joint replacement surgery. Our expert rehabilitation therapists work closely with patients before and after surgery to help ensure a quick return to normal activities.

Hip Procedures
Knee Procedures

Our orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience in:

  • Shoulder, joint and ligament repair
  • Orthopedic spine surgery
  • Total joint replacement of the shoulder, hip or knee
  • Foot and ankle repairs
  • Hand and carpal tunnel surgery
  • Tendon repairs
  • Anterior approach to hip replacement
  • Reverse total shoulder surgery
  • Sports injury expertise

Total Hip Replacement, THR, Total Hip Arthroplasty
at McLaren Flint

hip replacment x-ray

Hip joint replacement is a surgical procedure to replace the hip joint. The new joint is artificial and has two parts. The first part is the hip’s socket, called the acetabulum. This is a cup-shaped bone in the pelvis. The second part is the “ball” or head of the femur, also called the thighbone.

These artificial parts together are called a prosthesis. The artificial socket is made of high-density plastic. The artificial ball, which is attached to a stem is usually made of a strong, stainless metal. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pain and improve mobility and function in the hip joint.

Am I a candidate for a hip joint replacement?

Who is a candidate for a hip joint replacement procedure?

This surgery is most commonly done to relieve severe arthritis, which can wear down the hip joint. People with other conditions, such as injury, bone tumors and avascular necrosis, or a loss of bone caused by a lack of blood supply also need a hip joint replaced. An individual is usually advised to consider surgery when the following conditions apply:

  • The pain is severe enough to restrict not only work and recreation but also the normal activities of daily living.
  • The pain is not relieved by arthritis medications.
  • The person is not helped by the use of a cane or walker.
  • There is significant stiffness of the hip that limits activities.
  • Joint X-rays show advanced arthritis or other severe problems.

After the procedure and going home

What happens after a hip procedure | going home from the hospital?

While in the hospital, the individual will begin physical therapy to strengthen the hip. He or she will also learn how to perform the activities of daily living in ways that can prevent injury to the new hip. For example, proper ways to bend and sit are taught. Most people are sent home from the hospital the same day or next day. By the time the person leaves the hospital, he or she should be able to get around using a walker or a cane. Physical therapy will continue after going home from the hospital. Complete recovery from this surgery usually takes three to six months.

Orthopedic Physicians
Request Info / Referral
Events / Seminars

Hip Procedures Offered at McLaren Flint

  • Mako robot

    Total Hip Replacement | Robotic Assisted Surgery

    Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery

    Mako Total Hip is a procedure known as total hip replacement that is supported by robotic-arm assisted technology. This innovative solution was designed for patients who suffer from non-inflammatory or inflammatory degenerative joint disease. The robot enables surgeons to achieve a new level of precision using the latest techniques in total hip replacement and is designed to restore patient mobility and active lifestyle.

    Request Information or a Referral
    About Mako Hip Replacement
  • Man and woman jogging

    The Anterior Approach to Hip Replacement

    Potential for less pain | Faster recovery | Improved mobility.

    The anterior approach to hip replacement is another example of how technology, and technique, are continually evolving in an effort to provide better outcomes for patients. This surgical approach to total hip replacement provides the potential for less pain, faster recovery and improved mobility. Two McLaren Flint orthopedic surgeons are currently using this approach.

    “Like so many other minimally invasive surgical procedures, the anterior approach usually means less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery,” states Ajay Srivastava, MD, Orthpedic Surgeon who is trained in the technique. “What we are also finding is that patients have decreased risk of hip dislocation following their surgery. This is because they procedure is done from the front of the hip as opposed to the side or back. With this approach we do not have to detach muscles and tendons from the bone. Keeping more of the anatomy in place means the implant is less likely to move in a way we do not want it to.”

    Like every surgical option, the anterior approach is not for everyone.

    “This type of joint replacement surgery is not for very muscular or obese patients, or anyone with a condition that would limit their rehabilitation,” stated Paul Telehowski, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, who is also trained in the anterior approach. “The performance of any hip replacement depends on your age, weight, activity level and other factors. There are risks and benefits with any joint replacement. We always discuss all of the options with patients so they can make the decision that they are the most comfortable with.”

    Request Information or a Referral

Partial and Total Knee Joint Replacement
at McLaren Flint

Orthopedic doctor Seann Willson performs a partial knee joint replacement procedure at McLaren Flint

Knee joint replacement is surgery to replace a damaged or diseased knee with an artificial joint, or prosthesis. The goal is to improve the main function of the knee joint and reduce pain.

Am I a candidate for a knee replacement?

Who is a candidate for a knee joint replacement procedure?

Knee joint replacement may be used for long-standing knee pain or arthritis that has not responded to treatment with medication. It may also be used when arthritis causes the knee to function poorly, or for some knee fractures. The procedure is used for people who have a great deal of knee pain. This pain is so severe that the person cannot work, has trouble sleeping, and cannot walk more than three blocks.

After the procedure and going home

What happens after a knee procedure | going home from the hospital?

While in the hospital the person will have physical therapy to learn exercises to strengthen the knee. The person will start bearing weight on the knee and using a walker the day of surgery. He or she will also be taught how to climb stairs. Most people are discharged from the hospital the same day or the day after the operation. By the time the person is ready to go home, he or she should be able to get around with a walker. People use a walker for a week depending on physical therapy, then transition to a cane or walking stick. Physical therapy is continued after leaving the hospital for approximately four to six weeks.

About 90% of artificial knee joints last for 10 years, and 80% last for 20 years. This often depends on the person’s activity level, weight and general health.

Orthopedic Physicians
Request Info / Referral
Events / Seminars

Knee Procedures With the Mako Robotic Assisted Surgery

  • Partial knee replacement

    Partial Knee Replacement | Robotic Assisted Surgery

    Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery

    Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery is a robotic arm assisted partial knee resurfacing procedure designed to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis (OA). By selectively targeting the part of your knee damaged by OA, your surgeon can resurface your knee while sparing the healthy bone and ligaments surrounding it.

    Request Information or a Referral
    About Mako Partial Knee Replacement
  • Total knee replacement x-ray

    Total Knee Replacement | Robotic Assisted Surgery

    Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery

    Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Replacement is a treatment option for adults living with mid to late-stage osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Mako provides you with a personalized surgical plan based on your unique anatomy.

    Request Information or a Referral
    About Mako Total Knee Replacement

Orthopedic Surgery Team at McLaren Flint

  • Image of Ajay Srivastava , M.D.

    Ajay Srivastava, M.D.

    Orthopedics, Surgery - Orthopedics
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  • Image of Paul Telehowski , M.D.

    Paul Telehowski, M.D.

    Orthopedics, Surgery - Orthopedics
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  • Image of Seann Willson , M.D.

    Seann Willson, M.D.

    Orthopedics, Surgery - Orthopedics
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Contact Information

Joint Pain Resources

Joint Pain Tips

When to consult an orthopedic surgeon

If you have difficulty performing daily function, such as walking up stairs or carrying grocery bags, you should consult a McLaren orthopedic surgeon at (586) 662-1110.

Joint Pain Tips

When to consult an orthopedic surgeon

If you have difficulty performing daily function, such as walking up stairs or carrying grocery bags, you should consult a McLaren orthopedic surgeon at (586) 662-1110.

Joint Pain Tips

When to consult an orthopedic surgeon

If you have difficulty performing daily function, such as walking up stairs or carrying grocery bags, you should consult a McLaren orthopedic surgeon at (586) 662-1110.

Accepted Insurances

McLaren Flint accepts most major insurance plans providing health care coverage. The only way to determine your individual coverage is by contacting your insurance carrier. Your insurance card will have a contact phone number. Patients should not consider this list a binding agreement or guarantee of coverage.