For certain kinds of injuries or prolonged forms of chronic pain, one option that may be utilized if initial treatments are not successful is joint replacement surgery. What exactly is joint replacement, and what do you need to know about it if you or someone close to you is considering it?
At The Orthopaedic Center, we’re proud to offer a wide range of orthopedic doctor services to clients around Tulsa and Jenks, including solutions like knee and hip replacements for those in need. Here’s some basic information on joint replacement, from the common areas of the body it’s used on to the sorts of injuries it can help treat and more.
What is Joint Replacement?
When we speak of joint replacement, we’re referring to a surgical procedure that involves removing damaged or injured parts of a joint and replacing them with new, artificial components. These components can be made from many different materials – metal, ceramic and plastic are all common examples.
Joint replacements have been around since the 1960s and have improved greatly in quality over time. They allow for better range of motion and mobility, helping patients return to their normal daily activities without pain or discomfort.
Common Areas
The most common areas where joint replacements are used include:
- Knees: Easily the most common area for joint replacement surgery is the knee joint. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and traumatic injuries are all reasons why a patient may require a knee replacement.
- Hips: Hip replacements are also very common, especially in older adults. Similar to knee replacements, osteoarthritis is a leading reason for hip replacement surgery.
- Shoulders: While not as common as knee or hip replacements, shoulder joint replacements are still performed frequently. Severe arthritis or rotator cuff tears can lead to the need for a shoulder replacement.
- Elbows: Elbow joint replacements are often used for patients who have suffered from severe fractures or chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Ankle: Another less common joint replacement is for the ankle. This may be necessary due to severe osteoarthritis or traumatic injury.
- Wrists: Finally, wrist joint replacements are usually performed for individuals with severe arthritis or damage from a traumatic injury.
Each of these joint replacement surgeries involves replacing the damaged parts of the joint with artificial components, such as metal and plastic implants. These implants are designed to mimic the natural function of the joint and allow for smooth movement.
Symptoms That May Signal Joint Replacement Need
There are a few specific symptoms that may indicate the need for joint replacement surgery, including:
- Osteoarthritis: The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage in a joint wears down over time. This can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, including joints. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the joint tissue.
- Traumatic Injury: A severe injury to a joint, such as a fracture or dislocation, can result in permanent damage that may require joint replacement surgery.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, including joints. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the joint tissue.
Basic Joint Replacement Procedure Breakdown
While the specifics here will vary between individual surgeries, the general steps of a joint replacement procedure in modern times are as follows:
- Pre-operative preparation: Before the surgery, patients will typically undergo various tests and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure. This may include blood work, imaging scans, and consultations with healthcare professionals.
- Anesthesia: During the actual surgery, patients will be given anesthesia to ensure they do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
- Incision: The surgeon will make an incision over the affected joint to access the underlying bones and tissues.
- Joint Resurfacing: In most cases, rather than fully replacing the entire joint, only part of it will be resurfaced with a metal or plastic implant. This allows for a faster recovery time and preserves more of the natural joint.
- Rehabilitation: After the surgery, patients will undergo physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility in the affected joint.
- Potential Risks and Complications: As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with joint resurfacing. These may include infection, blood clots, nerve damage, or even failure of the implant.
- Recovery Time: The length of recovery time will vary depending on the individual patient and their specific case. However, most patients can expect to return to normal activities within 2-3 months after surgery.
Joint replacement is a process that’s a vital part of recovery for people with certain injuries or conditions in various parts of the body. At The Orthopaedic Center, we’re here to offer safe, reliable joint replacement surgery solutions to patients around Tulsa and Jenks areas. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.