What is Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is a procedure performed on patients suffering from chronic joint pain or immobility. An accident or trauma or a degenerative bone disease like arthritis can cause damage to the joint and limit its functionality. Usually, the doctor tries to fix the joint with the help of conservative techniques like medication and physical therapy. In cases where the patient does not benefit from them, a surgery is recommended. In patients suffering from persistent joint pain and limited range of motion, joint replacement surgery is the most effective treatment option that restores the joint functionality and allows them to lead a better quality life.

Thanks to improved medical technologies, now we have quicker and lesser invasive joint replacement surgeries that require shorter hospital stays and have faster recovery timelines.

There are three types of joint replacement surgeries:

Total Joint Replacement Surgery

Total joint replacement surgery involves partial or complete removal of the damaged joint. It is then replaced with artificial implants or prostheses made of material like ceramic, titanium and oxinium. Total joint replacement is performed to repair knees, hips, or shoulder. . Arthritis and other degenerative diseases or damage to joints due to an accident necessitate a joint replacement surgery.

Total joint replacement surgery can take a few hours, depending on the complexities. The entire procedure is done at the hospital after the patient is admitted and sedated for the surgery. During the surgery, the first step is to make an incision on the site to be operated on, and the damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the area. The removed bone is then replaced with a prosthetic implant. The prosthetic implant mimics the functions of the original bone and restores the lost mobility and functions in the patient.

Revision Joint Replacement Surgery

Revision Joint replacement surgery is performed when the attempt to fix a joint condition through a total joint replacement surgery has failed. Improper placement of the implant, infection or an injury at the site necessitates a revision joint replacement surgery. During the procedure the damaged part is repaired and based on the requirement, a new implant is placed.

Joint Preservation Surgery

Joint preservation surgery is another type of joint replacement surgery performed on knees, shoulders, or hips. It is an elective surgery where the patient elects to undergo a surgical procedure to protect the joints from further degeneration and delay the need for a total joint replacement surgery. Usually, youngsters with degenerative diseases opt for this procedure.

Joint pain, especially the chronic ones, is relayed by damaged caused to the articular cartilage present at the end of the bones. If you are experiencing constant pain and discomfort that is not getting better with other associated treatments, and diagnosed with a degenerative joint disease, your doctor might recommend you to go through a joint preservation surgery to restore the functionality of the joint.

However, before recommending this surgery, the surgeon will prescribe medication, steroid injections, physical therapy, and activity modifications to see if the condition can be fixed without a surgery.

How long does it take to recover from Joint Replacement Surgery

The timeline for recovery and rehabilitation is subjective. The surgeon will encourage you to move and use your limb a few days after the surgery to regain normal mobility.

Some patients report feeling temporary pain in the treated site, but the same is manageable with pain medications and therapy. The patient should get back to normal activities within 4-6 weeks, and the entire recovery should be done by six months after the surgery.

What are the risks of Joint Replacement Surgery

Like any surgery, even joint replacement surgery comes with a few side effects and complications. Some of them include:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Nerve injury
• Prosthesis problems

Always ensure that you consult with your surgeon about any negative issues you might feel after the surgery and get immediate help.