Joint replacement surgeries are among the most successful and reliable procedures in modern medicine, providing effective pain relief as well as restoring the normal function and quality of life of up to 90 percent of patients who’ve had it.
Joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty) involves an orthopedic surgeon removing and replacing part of or the entire diseased or damaged joint with prosthesis, which can be made of medical-grade plastic, metal, ceramic, or ceramic/metal mixture.
If you’re living with joint pain and contemplating getting a joint replacement surgery, the information we’ve provided aims to help you make a well-informed decision.
Types of Joint Replacement Surgery
Arthritis is the most common culprit in joint pain that often results in the necessity for an arthroplasty. Joint replacements are commonly performed on the hips and knees, but they can be done on other joints as well, such as the ankle, elbow, shoulder, and wrist.
Depending on the severity of the damage to your joint, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend either a partial or a total arthroplasty.
There are generally two techniques used in joint replacement procedures: traditional/open technique and minimally invasive technique. The one your doctor will use will depend on a number of factors, such as your age, lifestyle, and overall health.
Risks
Despite the life-changing benefits of joint replacement procedures, they are not devoid of risks, and thus, they are often recommended only as a last-resort intervention. Your orthopedic surgeon will likely discuss this option with you if you have intractable joint pain, or one that has caused significant disruption to your day-to-day activities.
The following are the possible risks of joint replacement surgeries. Albeit these are rare, it pays to talk to your orthopedic surgeon about them:
- Bleeding
- Blood clot
- Cartilage damage
- Implant loosening
- Infection
- Nerve injury
- Reaction to anesthesia
Contraindications
Joint replacement surgeries are not suitable for everyone. The following are some of the disqualifying conditions for joint replacement surgeries:
- Active knee sepsis
- Any condition that interferes with wound healing
- Any condition associated with severe muscle weakness
- Osteoporosis
- Remote infection
- Vascular disease
To determine your eligibility for the procedure and that you don’t have any of these contraindications, your orthopedic surgeon will perform a comprehensive evaluation. If arthroplasty is not appropriate for you, your surgeon will recommend other effective options.
Joint Replacement Surgery in Hartford County, CT And Springfield, MA
At Advanced Orthopedics New England, we have board-certified joint replacement surgeons on our team whom you can count on to help you achieve the best possible treatment outcome regardless of the severity of your condition. Our orthopedic specialists recognize the value of sharing useful information with our patients, which can empower them to make intelligent healthcare decisions.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our joint replacement surgeons, feel free to contact us at (561) 733-5888. We look forward to helping you move freely again!