Whether you have arthritis in your knees, hips, or back, having a joint replacement might be the best option for you. Joint replacement is a procedure that involves replacing damaged joints with prosthetic devices. This can provide relief from pain and disability to help you live more comfortably with arthritis.
Before undergoing a joint replacement surgery, it’s important to know what your options are. There are different types of joint replacements depending on the type of arthritis and the severity of your injury. This article breaks down all of the facts surrounding this procedure so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s necessary for you.
What is Joint Replacement?
A joint replacement is a procedure in which a damaged joint is replaced with a prosthetic device. This can provide relief from pain and disability to help you live more comfortably with arthritis.
The different types of joint replacements include total knee replacement, total hip replacement, and shoulder arthroplasty (arthroplasty). Depending on the type and severity of your arthritis, you might need any of these procedures.
When Should I Get a Joint Replacement?
There are a few different reasons why you may need to have a joint replacement.
If you have had multiple surgeries and failed arthroplasty (replacement surgery) procedures, then you might be a candidate for joint replacement. You may also be a candidate if your arthritis is preventing you from doing the activities that you enjoy, such as playing sports or working out. If your arthritis is causing severe pain and disability, then joint replacement might be the option for you.
Another reason that someone might need a joint replacement is if they have experienced bone loss around their joints. Joint replacements can help to preserve an individual’s ability to walk and perform other activities of daily living (ADLs).
Lastly, if none of these conditions apply to you, then talk with your doctor about getting joint replacement as an elective procedure – meaning it’s not part of your health care plan. The best time for this procedure is when it will provide the most benefit for you.
How Does the Procedure Work?
In joint replacement, the surgeon removes damaged parts of the joint and replaces them with a prosthetic device made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. This procedure is usually performed in multiple stages to ensure that it’s successful. For example, if you have arthritis in your knee, your doctor will first remove the damaged part of the knee joint and replace it with a prosthetic device. Then, after a few weeks or months, your doctor will replace the rest of the knee joint as well. The procedure can be especially beneficial for those with severe arthritis pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
The length of time required to recover varies depending on each individual case. Some patients can resume their normal activities sooner while others might have to use crutches for several weeks or more than a month before they can return to their normal routine. Recovery takes anywhere from six weeks to two years.
The Benefits of Joint Replacements
There are many benefits to joint replacements. Joint replacements can help people with limited mobility regain their ability to perform daily activities. People who have had joint replacements often report a significant improvement in their quality of life. Joint replacement is also a procedure that is covered by insurance, which means you won’t have to pay out of pocket for it.
Joint replacements are definitely worth considering if you live with arthritis or other related conditions and want to improve the quality of your life.
The Risks of Joint Replacements
When considering joint replacement surgery, there are a few risks that you should be aware of. One risk is the chance of infection. The metal devices used in joint replacements can lead to infection, which increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. It’s important to keep up on your post-surgery appointments and look for signs that your body might be fighting an infection.
Another risk is bleeding disorder. Some people experience blood clots after a joint replacement and stop functioning properly. If you’ve had a bleeding disorder in the past, it’s important to talk with your doctor before undergoing this procedure so they can evaluate your condition and make sure it’s safe for you to undergo a joint replacement.
Finally, some people experience complications from their new joints that may require additional surgeries later on in life. This means more time and cost spent than originally expected because of complications from the surgery itself or later on down the road when complications arise due to the surgery.
Conclusion
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that leads to pain, swelling and stiffness in specific joints. Joint replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces the function of the joint with an artificial joint. The goal is to reduce pain and improve function.
The benefits of joint replacements are primarily related to pain relief and decreased stiffness. The risks of joint replacements are related to infection, blood clots, or new onset disability or disability worsening.
Though joint replacements are considered a fairly safe procedure, they still carry some risk. It’s important to consider the risks and benefits before undergoing joint replacement surgery.