Indiana Workers' Compensation Attorneys

Joint Replacement

Injuries to joints, especially knees, shoulders and hips, occur in workplaces everyday. Joint injuries may be the result of an acute event, repetitive motion activities or an aggravation of a pre-existing condition (arthritis). If pain cannot be managed through pain medications and physical therapy, then some workers may be candidates for joint replacement.

Some people believe that joint replacement surgery should be postponed as long as possible. Often joint pain sufferers are concerned about the longevity of an implant, wanting to avoid a second surgery. They believe that if they postpone the surgery until they are older, they may not need a second surgery, because their implant may last as long as they live. However, surgeons are increasingly recommending joint replacement to younger patients. Joint replacement can offer the potential for reduction of pain and increased mobility during prime years.

Some factors that workers with joint injuries may consider when considering a joint replacement include the ability to work and enjoy hobbies in their current condition, whether they have persistent pain, even when at rest, the failure of non-surgical treatments, and the inactivity of the afflicted joint, which may lead to other medical problems.

Worker’s compensation insurance carriers are often reluctant to authorize joint replacement surgeries for injured workers. If you are in need of a joint replacement due to your work injury and the insurance company is denying this procedure, or if you have been offered a settlement and may need a joint replacement in the future due to your work injury, please contact us for a free consultation.