A surgical operation is the last treatment option in any patient. Physical therapy, medicines, or other methods are tried first. But when these do not give the expected results because the complication is much greater, the surgical field is used to resolve the condition.
Joint replacement surgery is one of them. This consists of replacing the damaged or diseased parts of the joints with artificial ones (better known as prostheses), usually made of metal, plastic and/or ceramic. The most common joint replacement surgeries are hip and knee surgery, although shoulder, ankle and elbow replacement is also common.
In modern joint replacement surgery, worn cartilage is removed from both sides of the joint, and then the joint is lined with an implant that looks similar to your joint and functions about the same.
Candidates for joint replacement surgery often have severe joint pain, advanced osteoarthritis, stiffness, lameness, muscle weakness, movement limitations, and swelling. Depending on which joint is affected and the amount of damage, normal activities such as walking, putting on socks and shoes, getting in and out of cars, and climbing stairs can be difficult.
The most common causes of joint dysfunction are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While no one is sure what causes arthritis, there are a number of factors that can contribute to joint deterioration and lead to arthritis. Some of these factors are: hereditary factor; developmental abnormalities in joint formation; genetic predisposition to abnormal cartilage metabolism; repeated minor injuries; severe trauma to the cartilage of the joint.
What is joint replacement?
Joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which a damaged joint is replaced with an artificial implant. This procedure is performed to relieve pain and restore function in the affected joints (hip, knee, elbow, shoulder, wrist, and hand).
Benefits of Joint Replacement
The benefits of joint replacement include:
- Reduced pain
- Improvement in mobility and quality of life.
- Restoration of normal joint function.
Types of Joint Replacements
Hip Replacement
Hip replacement involves replacing the hip joint with artificial components such as a metal femoral head or a polyethylene acetabular cavity.
Knee Replacement
It involves replacing the knee joint with new metal and plastic implants, including: a metal part for the femur, a metal part for the tibia, and a highly resistant plastic component for the kneecap.
Elbow Replacement
Elbow replacement surgery is a surgical procedure, in which the damaged elbow joint is replaced with artificial components designed to restore function and relieve pain.
Shoulder Replacement
Through this specialized intervention, the aim is to restore the functionality of the shoulder joint through the replacement of damaged structures with custom-designed artificial components.
Wrist and Hand Replacement
Like the rest of the joint replacements, during this surgical procedure the affected internal parts are replaced with specific artificial elements.
Joint Replacement Surgery
In general terms, during joint replacement surgery, the affected tissues are removed and metal and/or plastic devices are implanted that mimic the complex biomechanics of the operated joint.
This surgical approach aims to improve the patient’s mobility and quality of life, allowing them to regain functionality and perform daily activities more comfortably.
Preparing for Surgery
Preparation prior to joint replacement surgery may include preoperative testing, medication adjustments, and in some cases, lifestyle changes.
It is important for the patient to inform their medical team about any pre-existing medical conditions, medications they are taking, and allergies. In addition, additional guidelines on eating, physical activity, and emotional preparation for surgery and post-operative recovery may be provided.
In most cases, arthritis or other joint problems that can be treated with joint replacement surgery can be diagnosed with a simple X-ray.
Joint replacement surgery has been performed since the 1960s and has already proven to be a highly safe procedure that offers many benefits to patients. Despite being a safe procedure, it is not exempt from complications, where the most common are: infection, blood clots in the veins or deep vein thrombosis and joint failure.
Prostheses have been changing and improving thanks to multiple scientific investigations, they are becoming safer and more durable. The life span of a prosthesis is 15 to 20 years.
Typically, after a recovery period, patients who have undergone joint replacement surgery return to a high activity level and the patients’ quality of life drastically improves. Recovery time after surgery depends on the patient’s activity level prior to the procedure, physical condition, and overall health.
The need for joint replacement surgery can be minimized through comprehensive medical treatment. Medications, lower-impact exercises (e.g., swimming, walking, biking, etc.), weight loss, nutritional supplements, and joint injections can help a person avoid joint replacement surgery.
The most important thing is to keep track of the symptoms and check with a specialist to diagnose in time, have the indicated treatment and if a joint replacement is necessary, have specialists trained in the subject.
