A joint is formed between two ends of the bones to facilitate body movement, enabling individuals to perform daily activities. Over time, joint damage can occur with or without proper care, due to medical conditions, injuries, or accidents. In such cases, replacement surgeries may be necessary.
Joint replacement or Joint replacement surgery is medically termed as Arthroplasty. It is a surgical procedure performed on the joints affected by arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or any injuries caused by accidents. This surgery helps relieve the pain by removing and replacing the damaged or affected parts with the help of a prosthesis, an artificial joint made of plastic, metal, or ceramic.
Joint replacement surgery is performed based on the severity of the joint problem or injury. There are two types of joint replacement surgery. The first one is total joint replacement, where the entire joint is replaced with a prosthetic joint after removing all the damaged parts. The second type is partial joint replacement, which involves repairing only the partially affected joint area with the help of arthroscopy. This type of surgery is generally performed on patients suffering from arthritis.
Types of Joint Replacement:
- Hip joint replacement
- Knee joint replacement
- Shoulder joint replacement
- Ankle joint replacement
- Elbow joint replacement
- Wrist joint replacement
- Fingers and toe joint replacement
Some certain signs/symptoms or changes can be observed over time, where you might consider getting a joint replacement surgery. The signs can be:
- Swelling in the affected area,
- Unable to fall asleep or waking up through the sleep due to the severe pain,
- Advanced Arthritis,
- Experiencing pain while doing daily activities
- Suffering from the pain over a few months and regular treatment methods are of no use
- Stiffness in the area
- Joint damage which was left untreated
- Severity in the pain as in the growth of age
Along with the signs/symptoms, every surgery does have evident risks and benefits. Some health conditions such as Hemophilia, Diabetes, and autoimmune diseases can make it difficult the recovery of the arthroplasty. Here are some of them for joint replacement surgery. The benefits include;
- First and the foremost benefit of a joint replacement is a significant reduction in chronic pain. This surgical intervention restores mobility, and quality of life, enabling individuals to engage in daily activities without any discomfort.
- Secondly, improves functionality as joint deterioration frequently leads to limited mobility and impaired joint function. By replacing the joint patients can regain movement and perform regular activities which they struggled previously like walking, climbing stairs, or participating in sports.
- Modern joint replacement technology advancements have increased implant durability, artificial joints can last for many years, providing the patient with extended relief from the pain and improvement in joint functioning.
- It also benefits psychological problems, where chronic pain can take a toll on mental health, leading to frustration, depression, and decreased self-esteem. So joint-replacement can ease these by restoring confidence and emotional well-being.
It is important to take certain care for the healthy joints, as our body movement and the functioning of our daily activities depend on how healthy the joints are. It is recommended to take preventive measures to avoid the further complications caused due to joint replacement surgery or arthroplasty. These measures include doing exercises or attending physiotherapy sessions, maintaining hygiene around the surgical area, avoiding certain movements that can cause dislocations, and icing and elevating the joints. If you experience any signs or symptoms that indicate the need for joint replacement surgery, consulting with an orthopedic doctor is important for further guidance.