Joint Replacement
Replacing arthritic or damaged joints with artificial parts can relieve pain and improve function for the patient, allowing them to quickly return to a more comfortable and active lifestyle. A pre-operative patient education program for both patients and their families prepares them for surgery and post-operative care.
What is Arthritis?
The word arthritis means “joint inflammation.” Although there are about 100 forms of arthritis, the most common type is osteoarthritis. Also called “wear and tear” or “degenerative” arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the joint cartilage wears thin over time. Symptoms include joint pain (which increases with overuse), joint swelling, joint deformity, and joint grinding, cracking or creaking.
X-rays can reveal damaged joint surfaces. Conservative care involves limiting aggravating activities, applying heat, performing gentle strengthening exercises and treatment with anti-inflammatory medication and joint injections. Sometimes an outpatient arthroscopic surgery will be performed to smooth rough joint surfaces.
What is joint replacement surgery?
Total joint replacement involves removing the damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with artificial surfaces. The average surgery lasts one – two hours.
Patients can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery. Generally, patients are admitted to a rehabilitation facility to receive additional therapy after discharge. Physical therapy sessions usually continue for at least two months to ensure maximum recovery.
Am I candidate for total joint replacement?
Patients should consider total joint replacement surgery if:
- At least six months of conservative care, including anti-inflammatory medication, joint injections and activity modification, has failed to improve their symptoms
- Their joint pain interferes with their ability to sleep at night
- Their joint pain interferes with their ability perform daily tasks or prevents participation in activities that are usually enjoyable
- Their doctor feels that the patient is in good health and surgery will not pose unusual risk for a poor outcome
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