Joint Replacement
A joint replacement surgery is performed by the joint replacement surgeon in order to restore the function of an impaired or harmed joint. The procedure is also commonly known as arthroplasty. The joint replacement surgery is performed to remove the impaired or diseased parts of the joint and substitute them with the artificial components or man-made parts, called as prosthesis.
The replacement of joint can effectively provide relief from the pain and disability to perform day to day tasks. Hip and knee replacement surgeries are most commonly performed, however, other joint replacement procedure may comprise as shoulders, wrists, ankles, elbows and fingers.
When is joint replacement surgery needed?
The major reason for performing the joint replacement surgery is the ineffectiveness of the non-surgical treatment such as medications, physical therapy and certain lifestyle changes. When the patient does not get relief from the pain and disability by adopting all these medical alternatives and therapy, the joint replacement surgeon recommends such patients for total joint replacement procedures.
It is not that the orthopedic surgeon will directly hop on to the surgery. They encourage you for non-operative alternatives first. However, when the condition is not getting under control by such options, then the joint replacement surgery is the only option remains. There can be several reasons that may lead to joint pain and disability such as arthritis or osteoarthritis, injury, depreciation in joints, fracture, etc. The condition may damage or deteriorate the cartilage or bone in the joint. Under such circumstances, it becomes essential for the joint replacement surgeon to prepare the candidate for the joint replacement surgery, in order to get a permanent treatment of the pain and disability.
Surgical procedure for joint replacement
The joint replacement surgery procedure may last from 1 to 3 hours depending upon the joints where the surgery is performed. The surgical procedure can be conducted at the hospital or at an outpatient surgery clinic. Before the surgery the anesthetic team and joint replacement surgeon will discuss with you about the kind of anesthetic to be used. Usually the procedure is done using general anesthesia, however, the selection of anesthesia may also depend on the patient and anesthesiologist preference.
During the joint replacement surgery in Delhi, the orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged or harmed cartilage and bone of the joint and replace it with the man made artificial prosthesis which is made up of metal, plastic or ceramic. The prosthesis which is replaced by the joint replacement surgeon is exactly the copy of the parts removed. For example, if you are experiencing a shoulder replacement surgery, the surgeon will replace the damaged or deteriorated socket, ball and stem with the artificial prosthesis. Similarly, in a hip replacement surgery, the damaged ball which is the upper end joint of the femur, is duly replaced with the artificial metal ball which attached to a metal stem that is fitted into the femur. Apart from that the artificial plastic socket is inserted into the pelvis in order to replace the damaged socket.
Possible risks and complications
The possibilities of risks and complications after the joint replacement surgery cannot be ignored completely in any surgical procedure. The complications may happen with the in arthroplasty as well. According to the joint replacement surgeon in Delhi, the complications and risks may include as such:
- Loosening or dislocation of the prosthesis
- Chances of blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Injuries to the nerves or blood vessels in the area of the surgery
- Wear on joint replacements
- Possibility of ball of the new joint come out of the socket
There can be some other complication associated with the joint replacement surgery depending upon the particular medical condition. Your orthopedic doctor will discuss about the possible occurrence of such complication. However, the good this is that most the post-surgery complications can be successfully treated by the joint replacement surgeon and the occurrence of such issues are not very common among the patient.
Recovery and rehabilitation
It needs to keep in mind that the recovery and rehabilitation after the joint replacement surgery may differ from person to person. The may joint replacement surgeon induce you to use or move your new joint very soon (within a day after your operation). If you have had a knee or hip replacement surgery, you will often be instructed to stand or walk a little with the help of a walker or crutches. You may experience some sort of discomfort or pain which is quite common and temporary in a new joint. The pain occurs because the surrounding muscles are weak due to inactivity.
It is quite crucial to start moving the new joint right after the joint replacement surgery surgery. A physical therapist and the joint replacement surgeon will discuss with you the proper exercise schedule and complete rehabilitation program for you which you can follow at home as well. For the persisting pain, you will be administered medicine to control it, so that you can perform the designed exercise program that will help you to restore muscle strength and proper range of motion. The recovery may take 6-8 weeks time in which you would be able to perform usual day to day task, while to regain complete strength and vigor, it might take 8-12 months. If you experience any kind of complication or discomfort at any period of time post surgery, immediately consult with the orthopedic doctor .
Conclusion
By and large, the results of the joint replacement surgery is quite effective and highly successful. Most of the patient feels comfort and relief from the continuous and unbearable pain after the surgery. It is also recommended that you should consult an experienced and reputed joint replacement surgeon to get the best results from the joint replacement procedure.