Joint replacements considered when all the options of preserving the joint are exhausted. Joint replacement surgeries are a very common procedure now a day. Most patient start walking on the same day of surgery. Joint replacement is the surgery which patient need to ask for. It gives pain-free mobility &get them back to the life.
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic or ceramic device called prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint.Hip and knee replacements are the most commonly performed joint replacements, but replacement surgery can be performed on other joints, as well, including the ankle, wrist, shoulder, and elbow
Anatomy
A joint is where the ends of two or more bones meet. There are different types of joints within the body. For example, the knee is considered a "hinge" joint, because of its ability to bend and straighten like a hinged door. The hip and shoulder are "ball-and-socket" joints, in which the rounded end of one bone fits into a cup-shaped area of another bone.
When Is Total Joint Replacement Recommended?
Several conditions can cause joint pain and disability and lead patients to consider joint replacement surgery. In many cases, joint pain is caused by damage to the cartilage that lines the ends of the bones (articular cartilage)either from arthritis, a fracture, or another condition.
If nonsurgical treatments like medications, physical therapy, and changes to your everyday activities do not relieve your pain and disability, your doctor may recommend total joint replacement.
Surgical Procedure
Total joint replacement surgery takes a few hours. The procedure is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center.During the surgery, the damaged cartilage and bone is removed from your joint and replaced with prosthetic components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. The prosthesis mimics the shape and movement of a natural joint. For example, in an arthritic hip, the damaged ball (the upper end of the femur) is replaced with a metal ball attached to a metal stem that is fitted into the femur, and a plastic socket is implanted into the pelvis, replacing the damaged socket.
(Left) A hip with osteoarthritis. (Right) The head of the femur and the socket have been replaced with an artificial device.
Knee Replacement
Hip Replacement
Shoulder Replacement
There are many types of joint replacement. Your doctor will suggest about which is best suited for you.
Complications
Your doctor will explain the potential risks and complications of total joint replacement, including those related to the surgery itself and those that can occur over time after your surgery.Most complications can be treated successfully. Some of the more common complications of joint replacement surgery include infection, blood clots, nerve injury, and prosthesis problems like loosening or dislocation.
Additional information on preventing complications:
Preventing Infection After Joint Replacement Surgery (video)
Preventing Blood Clots After Orthopaedic Surgery (video)
Recovery
Recovery and rehabilitation will be different for each person. In general, your doctor will encourage you to use your "new" joint shortly after your operation. Although it may be challenging at times, following your doctor's instructions will speed your recovery.
Most patients will experience some temporary pain in the replaced joint because the surrounding muscles are weak from inactivity, the body is adjusting to the new joint, and the tissues are healing. This pain should resolve in a few months.
Exercise is an important part of the recovery process. Your doctor or physical therapist will provide you with specific exercises to help restore movement and strengthen the joint.
If you have any questions about limitations on your activities after total joint replacement, please consult your doctor.
Long-Term Outcomes
The majority of patients are able to perform daily activities more easily after joint replacement surgery. Most people can expect their joint replacement to last for many years, providing them with an improved quality of life that includes less pain, along with improved motion and strength that would not have been possible otherwise.
Joint Replacement Articles
For more comprehensive information about specific types of joint replacement:
Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
Wrist Joint Replacement (Wrist Arthroplasty)
Source: Department of Research & Scientific Affairs, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Rosemont, IL; AAOS; May 2014. Based on data from the HCUP Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 2011; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.