Advancing Mobility: Dr. Schnaubelt on Total Joint Replacement
Dr. Michael Schnaubelt, orthopedic surgeon at BayCare Clinic Orthopedic & Sports Medicine, recently joined FOX 11 Field House to discuss the transformative impact of total joint replacement surgery.
What Is Joint Replacement?
Joint replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged hip, knee, or shoulder joint with a durable artificial implant. It’s designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help patients reclaim their daily lives. This procedure is often recommended for individuals with advanced arthritis or joint damage that no longer responds to conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, or injections.
Candidates typically include those whose pain interferes with everyday activities—walking, climbing stairs, or even sleeping.
Innovations That Make a Difference
Dr. Schnaubelt emphasized how recent advancements have revolutionized joint replacement surgery:
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Smaller incisions and less muscle disruption mean faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort.
- Robotic-Assisted Technology: Enhanced precision and customization ensure each procedure is tailored to the patient’s anatomy.
- Modern Implants: Today’s implants are built to last longer, giving patients—especially younger ones—confidence to return to active lifestyles.
“We’re doing less and less invasive procedures,” Dr. Schnaubelt shared. “We’re sparing the muscles, so the recovery is a little bit quicker. For younger patients, especially with knee replacements, we now offer a cementless option. It’s more durable and may last a lifetime.”
Recovery Starts Day One
Thanks to these innovations, recovery begins immediately. Patients are encouraged to get up and move the same day as surgery, with many discharged within hours. At Aurora BayCare, personalized therapy plans are developed by joint-specific therapists to support each patient’s unique journey.
Watch the full segment here: Fox 11 Field House: September 26, 2025