Bone & Joint Center in Artesia
On this page
Ready to get care?
Call (575) 748-8301 (Artesia) or (575) 885-2188 (Carlsbad) to schedule your Bone & Joint Center consultation.
Artesia General Hospital proudly serves patients in Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, and throughout southeast New Mexico—bringing advanced joint care close to home.
Overview
Comprehensive orthopedic care for joints, mobility, and active living—serving Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, and southeast New Mexico.
The Bone and Joint Destination Center is a program of Artesia General Hospital. Our Destination Center is designed to provide the best possible experience for patients needing total knee or total hip replacements. The Bone and Joint Destination Center offers a comprehensive range of joint care, from diagnosis and treatment to education, surgery, and recovery.
Our Destination Center is more than just a place for surgery and rehab. It blends the talents of healthcare givers with the needs of our patients into a state-of-the-art system of care. We work with you every step of the way—from diagnosis and education through surgery and recovery. Patients from Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, and surrounding communities in southeast New Mexico choose us for expert joint care close to home.
A coordinated, team-based approach
Our Bone & Joint Center brings together fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, advanced practice clinicians, nursing, physical therapy, and rehabilitation professionals to create a seamless experience. You’ll have one care team that partners with your primary-care provider, imaging services, and hospital specialists—so you never navigate alone.
Advanced techniques for faster recovery
Whether you’re facing hip or knee joint replacement—or want non-surgical options—we combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care. Our facility offers total joint replacement, minimally invasive arthroscopy, advanced imaging, and bone density evaluation. One of AGH’s signature services is robotic-arm-assisted surgery, which enables precision and faster recoveries.
What is Joint Replacement?
Joint replacement, also called arthroplasty, is metal alloy and durable plastic implants to resurface damaged bone and cartilage caused by arthritis.
What to expect
- Your initial consultation: We assess your joint health, review imaging, discuss conservative and surgical options, and listen to your goals.
- Personalized plan: Together we determine the best path forward—whether therapy and injections, surgery, or joint replacement—tailored to your lifestyle.
- Recovery & rehab: Your care team supports you through surgery (if needed) and a focused rehabilitation program designed to restore mobility and help you return to activity.
Patient Education: It’s what makes our program different
We want you to understand your procedure and what to expect throughout the process. We do this by providing information in a variety of ways:
Our comprehensive guidebooks help explain your upcoming surgery and serve as a clinical diary that you will bring to all appointments and to the hospital. You will receive your guidebook at your pre-operative class and you can download them for free here:
Hips Guidebook
Knees Guidebook
Shoulders Guidebook
Benefits of Total Joint Replacement
- Can eliminate or reduce pain
- May enhance movement and mobility
- Can improve quality of life
- Return to normal activity
- Low-impact sports and activities
Conditions We Treat
- Arthritis and joint degeneration (hip, knee, shoulder)
- Chronic joint pain and stiffness
- Fractures and dislocations
- Torn ligaments and tendons (ACL, MCL, rotator cuff)
- Foot, ankle, wrist, and hand joint issues
- Osteoporosis with fracture risk
- Joint replacement candidates
- Post-surgical rehabilitation and revision care
Services & Procedures
- Total and partial joint replacement (hip, knee)
- Arthroscopic surgery and minimally invasive techniques
- Mako robotic arm-assisted joint replacement
- Fracture repair and trauma management
- Bone density testing and osteoporosis care
- On-site imaging and diagnostic services
- Coordinated physical therapy & rehabilitation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a joint replacement?
When non-surgical treatments fail to relieve pain or improve function, and your quality of life is affected, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend joint replacement.
Is robotic surgery better?
Robotic-arm-assisted surgery enables precise implant placement, potentially leading to a faster recovery and fewer complications. AGH is proud to offer this advanced option.
What is osteoarthritis?
Cartilage covers the ends of bones between joints. This tough, smooth tissue helps cushion the bones as they move with minimal friction. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, typically affects individuals over the age of 50. It occurs over time when the protective cartilage softens and wears away. It exposes the ends of the bones, allowing them to rub against each other, which results in pain and reduced motion or stiffness. Arthritis can occur as a result of disease, trauma, repetitive movement, or sometimes for no apparent reason. It can affect one joint or many, often in the knee or hip.
What are the most frequent complications?
Because hip and knee replacement surgeries are the most successful medical procedures performed today, most surgeries have no complications. When complications do arise, most can be successfully treated. Infection, blood clots, and nerve damage are the most serious complications.
Will it be painful?
You will receive some anesthesia during surgery. Afterward, you will feel some pain, but we will provide medications to keep you as comfortable as possible. After surgery, most patients control their pain with a pump that delivers the pain medication directly into their IV. Your surgeon and your care team will work with you to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout your joint replacement experience. When you are discharged from the hospital, you will receive instructions on how to manage your pain at home with behavior modification, ice therapy, and oral pain medications.
Will I have a scar?
Several techniques are used for joint replacement surgery. The particular method used will determine the location and length of the scar. Your surgeon will discuss which technique is best for you.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Most patients undergoing joint replacement surgery will be hospitalized for one night following the procedure. Any stay longer than one night is generally related to medical issues.
Will I need help walking?
Patients all progress at different rates. Typically, we recommend using a walker, crutches, or a cane for four to six weeks. Your Joint Care Coordinator can arrange for them if necessary.
Where will I go after leaving the hospital?
Most patients can be discharged directly from the hospital and go home. Some patients are transferred to a step-down rehab facility, where they will stay for three to five days. Your Joint Care Coordinator will assist you in making the necessary arrangements. Check with your insurance company to find out if you have step-down benefits.
Will I need help at home?
Yes, for the first few days or weeks, depending on your progress. You will need assistance with meals, laundry, and other daily tasks. If you go directly home from the hospital, you should have family or friends available to help when needed. Preparing ahead of time, before your surgery, can minimize the amount of help you will need after surgery.
Will my new joint set off security sensors?
Your new joint may or may not set off some security devices. Inform the security agent that you have a metal implant. The agent will direct you through appropriate security screening procedures. You can carry a medic alert card indicating that you have an artificial joint, but the card will not allow you to skip security checks so allow extra time to get to your destination.
Testimonials
Everyone in the hospital treated me like family. The nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists, were all there to help me and teach me.
N. D.
I was 70 years old when I decided to have a partial knee replacement. Dr. Baca, his helpers, and the physical therapy group did an excellent job. I walk a mile four times a week, do yard work, and help around the house now, all Pain Free!
A. F.
Everything from the first visit was a very positive experience. I was literally pain free and went back to work after only 40 days!
D. P.
Wonderful! –with Dr. Baca
G. P.
The experience with Dr. Baca was excellent and I’m very appreciative of all who cared for me.
M. P.
Everyone involved helped me to feel 100%, and made this experience a good one for me and I will always remember the extra special care I received.
