What is Joint Replacement Surgery?

What is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Patients with extensive end-stage joint disease (often of the knee or hip) who have attempted non-surgical therapy but are still experiencing functional deterioration and incapacitating pain are frequently advised to have joint replacement surgery. When performed as needed and indicated, joint replacement surgery is quite successful. 

According to the Best Orthopaedic Doctor in Noida, The damaged cartilage on both sides of the joint is removed during modern joint replacement surgery, and the joint is then resurfaced with an implant made of metal and plastic that resembles and works much like your natural joint. Although almost every joint in the body may be replaced, hip and knee replacements account for the majority of procedures.

Total joint replacement has become one of the most dependable and long-lasting medical treatments in recent years because of enhanced surgical methods and novel implant materials.

What decides if joint surgery is necessary?

Numerous disorders, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory joint issues, prior joint fractures and traumas, joint infections, and other uncommon illnesses including osteonecrosis can all contribute to severe or “end-stage” arthritis (also called avascular necrosis). All of these issues cause harm to the various joint structures, which finally results in serious irreparable damage and a dysfunctional joint.

A rheumatologist, who specializes in treating these conditions, may be best able to treat some kinds of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory types of arthritis. A primary care physician, rheumatologist, or orthopaedic surgeon often treats more widespread joint conditions like osteoarthritis. Joint replacement surgery may be a possibility for you if the medicinal medication your doctor has prescribed for your arthritis starts to lose its effectiveness. These experts are more competent to decide if joint replacement therapy is the best course of treatment for you.

The criteria for whether complete joint replacement surgery is “acceptable” are constantly evolving. In general, candidates for joint replacement have no predetermined maximum age. Instead, it may be advisable to base your choice on your overall health, surgical readiness, and how much your arthritis impacts your quality of life.

While few patients are in perfect condition, the majority of those having joint replacement surgery must be in good enough health or otherwise “tuned up” medically to let their procedure be carried out safely. Consult your primary care physician before undergoing joint replacement surgery to make sure your health is sufficient for the anesthetic and afterwards care required.

How is it determined whether a joint requires surgery?

Simple x-rays may almost always be used to diagnose people with arthritis or other joint issues that are often addressed with joint replacement surgery. Since referred back pain can readily be mistaken with pain brought on by arthritis in the hip or knee, as well as the fact that pain from an arthritic hip can occasionally be referred to the knee, it is important to rule out other sources of hip or knee pain. Tendonitis or bursitis, which resembles arthritic symptoms, can result from inflammation of the soft tissue structures around the joint. The true source of your discomfort may typically be identified through a thorough evaluation by your doctor and routine x-rays.

Prevention

Comprehensive medical management of your arthritis can reduce your need for joint replacement surgery. You may extend the length of time you can live with arthritis by taking arthritis drugs, changing your exercise routine to low-impact ones (such as swimming, walking, bicycling, etc.), losing weight, taking nutritional supplements, and getting joint injections. Joint replacement surgery can reduce pain and restore the quality of life that has been lost due to arthritis when other therapies are no longer effective and you experience both discomfort and a decline in function.

Despite advancements in complete joint replacement surgery, youthful, active individuals with arthritis are unlikely to have these procedures last a lifetime. In certain of these situations, joint-preserving operations including osteotomies, joint debridement or “cleanouts,” and cartilage transplants may be useful in postponing joint replacement surgery.

If you want to know more or are looking for the Best Knee Replacement Surgeon in Noida, Contact Dr. Shobhit Bhardwaj.