Orthopaedic - Joint Repalcement

Orthopaedic - Joint Replacement

Orthopaedics is a division of medical science that deals with the injuries and diseases of the body’s musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic surgeons can replace a damaged or arthritic joint through joint replacement surgery. 

Doctors can perform this surgery for any joint, which includes hips, knee, shoulder or wrist. Hip and knee replacements are the most regularly performed joint replacement surgeries. The following article will highlight the benefits, need and risks of the procedure.

To know more, you can consult an orthopaedic surgeon near you. Or visit an orthopaedic hospital in Kanpur.

What is joint replacement?

A joint replacement procedure (arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure through which a surgeon removes the damaged parts or the entire joint and replaces it with artificial implants. These implants are called joint prostheses and can be made of plastic, metal or ceramic. 

This replacement allows the artificial implants to replicate the movements of a healthy and functioning joint. There are different types of joint replacement surgeries available. Your orthopaedic doctor will determine the surgery that suits your disorder the best.

Who qualifies for the procedure?

Doctors usually recommend joint replacement surgery if other non-invasive treatments have failed. You qualify for an arthroplasty if:

• Your joint disorder has severely restricted your movements. 
• The pain from a damaged joint has progressed with time.
• Treatments like anti-inflammatory medications or physical therapy have not improved your condition.
• Your joint has structural deformity and bows out.
• Joint replacement surgery is suitable for older adults with damaged joints. 

Why do you need the procedure?

The main objective of joint replacement surgery is to increase your joint mobility and alleviate your pain. Several conditions can cause joint pain, such as arthritis or joint fracture at an old age. Some disorders can damage the cartilage tissue that lines the ends of your bones.

Such conditions can progress with time and degrade the quality of your life. You need joint replacement surgery if you have chronic pain that limits your joint movement. Or if you have suffered joint damage that cannot be treated through non-invasive methods.

To consult an orthopaedic specialist in Kanpur:

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Call 18605002244 to book an appointment.

What are the different types of joint replacement?

• Arthroscopy: This technique involves repairing damaged cartilage pieces around the affected joint and removing the broken pieces.
• Replacement arthroscopy: This involves removing an arthritic joint surface and replacing it with a fully functional prosthesis.
• Joint resurfacing: This technique is used to replace compartments of a damaged joint. Implants will be inserted in one or more sections of the joint.
• Osteotomy: This procedure involves removing or adding a piece of bone near the damaged joint. This is done to shift weight from the damaged joint or to correct a misalignment.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

• Reduction in pain
• Restoration of range of motions
• Increased joint strength
• Improved joint mobility and weight-bearing capacity
• Improvement in quality of life.

What are the risks?

Joint surgery is considered to be safe and effective, but any surgical procedure comes with some risks. These include the following:

• Infection: Any invasive surgery carries the risk of infections. Early infection can be treated and monitored. Late infection can occur sometimes after the replacement surgery and might require removal of the prosthesis.
• Stiffness: Scar tissue buildup can cause a degree of stiffness in your joint. This is why doctors recommend a physical therapy regimen after joint surgery.
• Implant failure: Implants are designed to last, but over time, they can loosen or wear out.

Conclusion

Orthopaedic joint replacement surgeries are safe and effective methods of replacing damaged joints or degenerated joints. Doctors usually recommend this procedure to people with chronic joint problems that have not improved through other treatment options.

Your doctor will determine if you need surgery depending on the severity of your condition and the rate at which the joint damage is progressing.