Joint replacement surgery, also referred to as arthroplasty, is deemed one of the most successful interventions in modern medicine. With success rates of up to 90 percent, joint replacement surgeries have helped millions of Americans living with advanced-stage arthritis or suffering from severe joint injuries feel, move, and live better.
If you have intractable knee, hip, or shoulder pain, know that there is hope, and you don’t have to keep living your life waiting for it to pass. Talk to your orthopedic surgeon about joint replacement and if it’s right for you.
Here’s some information about the procedure to help you get a good starting point for your discussion with your orthopedic surgeon.
How It’s Performed
Joint replacement surgery is typically an in-patient procedure, performed under general anesthesia.
During the procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will create an incision to gain access to your diseased joint. They will then resurface it by removing and replacing the damaged cartilage and bone with a prosthesis.
What Recovery Entails
To ensure you safely and successfully recover, your orthopedic surgeon will likely recommend physical therapy, which typically begins two days to a week after your surgery.
It’s imperative that you work closely with your physical therapist and adhere to all of your doctor’s post-operative instructions to minimize your risk of complications.
You should be able to gradually resume your day-to-day activities within six weeks after your procedure. Depending on your overall health and activity level, it can take up to an entire year for you to fully recover and appreciate the benefits of arthroplasty.
Risks
Despite the remarkable success rates and life-changing benefits of joint replacement procedures, they have risks (albeit very rare), inherent in any type of surgery.
The following are some of the potential risks of arthroplasty that you need to make sure you ask your orthopedic surgeon about:
- Infection- in the incision or around the prosthesis
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)- blood clots in the legs characterized by sudden and severe leg swelling
- Bleeding
- Implant loosening
- Nerve injury
- Contraindications
Joint replacement procedures are also not appropriate for everyone. If you have any of the following conditions, you may not be qualified for an arthroplasty:
- Sepsis
- Remote source of active infection
- Severe vascular disease
- Osteomyelitis
- Any condition that causes severe muscle weakness or stiffness (e.g., Parkinson’s disease)
Your orthopedic surgeon will do a thorough assessment to determine your eligibility for the procedure.
Joint Replacement Experts in Connecticut and Massachusetts
At Advanced Orthopedics New England, our joint replacement experts have earned a solid reputation for their skills, acumen, bedside manner, and the unparalleled treatment outcomes they deliver—helping countless patients in Connecticut and Massachusetts successfully manage or even overcome their joint pain and movement limitations.
To see one of our joint replacement experts, give our staff a call today at (860) 728-6740. Our offices in Connecticut are Enfield, Bloomfield, Rocky Hill, and Vernon. We also have an office in Springfield, Massachusetts.
