What is Joint Replacement?
Joint replacement, also known as arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant. This surgery is commonly performed on joints such as the hip, knee, shoulder, and ankle to relieve pain and restore function that has been compromised due to arthritis or injury.
Why do you Need Joint Replacement?
Joint replacement may be recommended for individuals experiencing:
- Severe joint pain that interferes with daily activities and quality of life.
- Joint stiffness that limits the range of motion.
- Joint deformity indicating advanced arthritis or damage.
- Lack of improvement with conservative treatment methods such as medications or physical therapy.
- Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis that has caused significant joint deterioration.
Types of Joint Replacement
There are several types of joint replacement procedures, including:
- Total Joint Replacement: The entire joint is replaced with a prosthetic made of metal, plastic, or ceramic components.
- Partial Joint Replacement: Only a portion of the joint is replaced, which is often used for knees and hips when only one side is affected.
- Revision Joint Replacement: A previous joint replacement is revised due to wear, infection, or other complications.
- Resurfacing: The damaged surface of the bone is replaced while preserving as much of the natural joint as possible, commonly used for hips.
Recovery and Outcomes
Recovery from joint replacement surgery involves a period of rest followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility. The success of the surgery largely depends on the patient's adherence to the rehabilitation program and overall health. Most individuals experience a significant reduction in pain and improvement in function after joint replacement surgery.