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Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint Replacement Surgery: Understanding the Procedure

Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is a procedure where a damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal, plastic, or ceramic25. It’s considered when severe joint pain or dysfunction isn’t alleviated by less-invasive treatments3. The surgery aims to reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life57.

What Happens During Surgery

1. Anesthesia: You’ll receive medication to relax you and numb the joint8. The anesthesiology team will monitor your vital signs throughout the surgery8.
2. Incision and Removal: The surgeon makes an incision to access the damaged joint and removes the damaged bone and cartilage16.
3. Implantation: The damaged joint is replaced with a prosthesis, which mimics the shape and movement of a natural joint12. For example, in a hip replacement, the damaged ball (femoral head) is replaced with a metal ball attached to a stem fitted into the femur, and a plastic socket is implanted into the pelvis1. In a knee replacement, a metal cap is fitted over the thigh bone8.
4. Closure: After the prosthesis is secured, the wound is closed with staples or stitches6. A tube may be inserted to drain blood and fluids6. The surgery usually takes one to two hours, but can be longer if multiple joints are replaced8.

Types of Joint Replacement

• Total Joint Replacement: The entire joint is replaced with an artificial one2. This is done on the ankle, shoulder, wrist, elbow, knee, or hip, but is most common for knee and hip replacements2.
• Partial Joint Replacement: Only the damaged portions are replaced with a prosthesis2. For a partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty), the femoral head is replaced with a metal ball that rotates inside the natural socket2.
• Hip Resurfacing: Damaged components are covered with metal or ceramic rather than being completely removed5.

Recovery

1. Immediate Post-Op: You’ll be moved to a recovery room for a few hours while your team monitors your vital signs and pain level78. Some people go home the same day, while others stay in the hospital for a few days78.
2. Early Mobility: Physiotherapy usually begins the day after surgery to get the joint moving as soon as possible8. Expect to use crutches or a walker until your surgeon says you can walk unassisted8.
3. Exercise: Exercise is crucial for restoring movement and strengthening the joint1. Your doctor or physical therapist will provide specific exercises1. Longer walks are an important part of physical therapy and recovery4.
4. Pain Management: Pain is normal, and your surgeon will recommend medicines to manage it18.
5. Timeline:
   • Most people can resume usual activities about six weeks after surgery7.
   • Full recovery can take around a year7.
   • Most people walk without a walker or cane about six weeks after knee replacement4.
   • Joint function will be near normal about three months post-surgery, save for occasional stiffness or soreness8.
6. Limitations: Consult your doctor about limitations on activities after joint replacement1. Within two to three months, most people can return to activities like riding a bike or playing golf4. Eventually, patients are able to go back to more strenuous activities like skiing and playing tennis4.

Potential Complications

Your doctor will explain potential risks and complications, which can include1:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Nerve injury
• Prosthesis problems (loosening or dislocation)
• Certain health conditions can make recovery more difficult7.

Most complications can be treated successfully1.

Long-Term Outcomes

Most patients can perform daily activities more easily after joint replacement surgery1. Over 90% of people who have knee replacement surgery have improved function in their knee for 10 to 15 years7. Most people can expect their joint replacement to last for many years1.

Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
At DrStemCellsThailand (DRSCT)‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells for managing various health conditions. If you have questions about joint replacement surgery or would like more information on our services, consult with our experts today!

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Referenes:

• Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction with Total Joint Replacement Surgery: This paper discusses patient satisfaction with arthroplasty surgery and impaired joints. DOI not available. Visit: https://orthopedicreviews.openmedicalpublishing.org/api/v1/articles/92646-factors-influencing-patient-satisfaction-with-total-joint-replacement-surgery.pdf
• Total joint replacement improves pain, functional quality of life, and: This study reports the long term outcomes of hip and knee replacement surgery in late-stage OA and beneficial effect on quality of life observed during the first year after hip and knee arthroplasty (HA and KA) was maintained for up to 5 years. DOI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31720892/
• Current Concepts in Knee Replacement: Complications: This article discusses Common causes of failure of knee arthroplasty include aseptic loosening, instability, infection, polyethylene wear with or without particle disease (osteolysis). DOI: https://ajronline.org/doi/10.2214/AJR.13.11308