Injuries, arthritis and worn tissues can cause severe pain and stiffness. These conditions can take a toll on all the joints of the body. The severity of pain or injury causes difficulty in mobility and normal functioning. When medications, physical therapy or manual therapies fail to relieve pain and resume normal functionalities, doctors suggest surgery.
Causes Of Joint Dysfunctions
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hereditary
- Genetic disorders
- Repetitive injuries
- Trauma to the joint cartilage
- Overweight may contribute to joint problems
- Weak development of joints
Replacement arthroplasty or joint replacement is a medical procedure involved in orthopedic surgeries. This process is also known as Total joint replacement. The surgical procedure involves removing a dysfunctional or damaged joint and joining it with the help of orthopedic prosthesis. A prosthesis is a device made up of plastic, ceramic or metal. It is used to replicate the movement of a healthy working joint.
Hip and knee joint replacements are the most common Total joint replacement surgeries. These surgeries can be performed on any joint of the body including wrists, ankle, elbow, and shoulder joint. Few factors are considered by the doctor to decide if the patient is fit to undergo surgery. These factors include:
- Overall health condition
- Age
- Level of activity
- Weight
The Total joint replacement surgery is completed within hours, but the process of recovery and rehabilitation may take up to months. Different joint replacements are performed in different ways. The complete procedure of joint replacement involves three stages:
Stage 1: Preparing For The Surgery
Weeks before the surgery doctors prepare the patient by monitoring the general health conditions and suggest certain tests that help in planning the surgery. The phase also involves following a proper diet and physical exercises that keep you fit.
Stage 2: The Surgery
To complete the surgery it may take a few hours. The joints are connected through cartilage called articular cartilage. The damaged cartilage calls for the surgery. Hence during operation, the damaged cartilage is removed and the prosthesis is incorporated. Few complications may arise during the surgery. They may include loosening of the prosthesis, dislocation of prosthesis, blood clots, and minor nerve injuries.
Stage 3: Rehabilitation and Recovery
The recovery phase is a longer period of time and differs from person to person. Though it is difficult to use the new joint, it is necessary to use the new joint as much as possible. It will speed up the recovery process. After the surgery, the surrounding muscles will have become weak due to limited activity. The tissues will be healing and the body will be adjusting to the replaced joint and this may cause pain around the area.
Exercises recommended by the doctors and physical therapists will help in relieving the pain. By performing these exercises regularly the patient will be able to come out of pain and restore functionalities in a short time.
Some Benefits Of Total Joint Replacement Include
- Great reduction or elimination in pain
- Improved mobility
- Restored functionalities
- Long-lasting relief from the pain
- Improved health condition