At Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists (SOS), joint replacement is guided by data, experience, and patient-centered care. Through the SOS Joint Registry, we track outcomes before and after surgery to ensure our patients achieve meaningful, measurable improvements in pain relief, function, and quality of life.
Across shoulder, knee, and hip replacement, SOS patients consistently experience outcomes that exceed nationally recognized benchmarks for clinically meaningful improvement.




Shoulder Replacement Outcomes
Significant Improvement within 3 Months
Just 3 months after surgery, SOS shoulder replacement patients experience dramatic gains in pain relief and shoulder function, far exceeding what medical research defines as meaningful change.
Most patients experience substantial pain reduction and functional recovery within weeks, helping them return to daily activities sooner.
Average Shoulder Improvements at 3 Months:

- Pain: ↓ 4.3 points
More than 3x the improvement patients typically need to feel real relief - Shoulder Function (SANE): ↑ 25.5 points
Above 70% greater than the standard meaningful threshold - ASES Score (Pain + Function): ↑ 31.3 points
Over 50% higher than clinically meaningful improvement - Oxford Shoulder Score: ↑ 10.6 points
More than double what's considered a noticeable improvement
What this means:
Most patients experience substantial pain reduction and functional recovery within weeks, helping them return to daily activities sooner.

Knee Replacement Outcomes
Meaningful Progress by 6 Months
At six months after surgery, SOS knee replacement patients show clinically and statistically significant improvements in both pain relief and everyday function.

Average Knee Improvements at 6 Months:
- Knee Pain: ↓ 3.6 Points
Exceeds the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) (2.26); a majority of patients experience noticeable pain relief - Oxford Knee Score: ↑ 15.0 Points
3x higher than the MCID, reflecting better mobility and daily function - KOOS Jr: ↑ 23.2 Points
Well above the MCID, showing major improvement in pain, stiffness and movement
By 6 months, most patients report:
- Less pain
- Improved mobility
- Greater confidence with activities like walking, stairs and daily tasks

Hip Replacement Outcomes
Strong Gains in Pain Relief and Function at 6 Months
SOS hip replacement patients achieve substantial improvements in pain control and mobility by six months after surgery, consistently surpassing national benchmarks.

Average Hip Improvements at 6 Months:
- Hip Pain: ↓ 4.3 Points
More than double the MCID (1.6); a majority of SOS hip replacement patients report noticeable relief - Oxford Hip Score: ↑ 19.8 Points
Nearly 4x greater than the MCID, reflecting major functional improvement - HOOS Jr: ↑ 32.9 Points
Far exceeds the MCID, demonstrating significant gains in comfort and daily activity
Most patients experience:
- Less pain
- Improved movement
- Greater independence with walking, sitting, bending and daily routines
Why These Results Matter
- Less pain
- Better movement
- Faster recovery
- Improved quality of life
SOS patients don't just improve -- they experience meaningful, measurable progress that supports an active, independent lifestyle.

All outcomes shown:
- Meet or exceed MCID (Minimal Clinically Important Difference) benchmarks
- Demonstrate both clinical and statistical significance
- Reflect real-world improvements patients can feel in daily life
This data-driven approach helps SOS patients make informed decisions and feel confident throughout their joint replacement journey.
Results shown represent average patient outcomes based on SOS Joint Registry data collected since 2010. Individual results may vary depending on diagnosis, overall health, and other factors.