Over time, arthritis, injuries, and aging can cause joints to wear away which results in pain, stiffness, and swelling. This joint pain can make it hard to keep doing the things you enjoy. Thankfully, joint replacement may be an option for those seeking relief from joint pain.
What is Joint Replacement?
Joint replacement is a type of orthopedic surgery in which a surgeon removes some or all of the affected joint and replaces it with a prosthesis, usually made of metal, plastic or ceramic parts. This type of treatment is usually used after other treatment methods—such as walking aids, physical therapy, medicine, exercise and weight loss—are not effective in reducing joint pain. Joint replacement may be right for you if your joint pain and mobility are affecting your daily activities, like climbing stairs, walking, standing to cook, and running errands. Hip and knee replacements are the most common joint replacement surgeries, but other joint replacements can also improve the quality of life for those with severe joint issues.
How Joint Replacement Works
During joint replacement, damaged parts of your bone and cartilage (and in some cases the whole joint) are removed first. The surgeon then inserts a prosthetic component that mimics the natural shape and movement of the affected joint. The most common joint replacements are hips and knees, but this treatment can also be used on the ankles, shoulders, and elbows.
Types of Joint Replacements
Joint replacements vary depending on your specific injury, symptoms, and affected joint. Your orthopedic surgeon can recommend the procedure that will result in the best outcome for your joint. The surgeons at Inspira are experienced in minimally invasive procedures and the most up-to-date surgical techniques.
During a total joint replacement, the whole damaged joint is removed and replaced with a prosthetic joint. The new joint functions like a natural, healthy joint. This type of joint replacement is common on large weight-bearing joints such as the hip and knee.
Fusion involves plates, pins, or rods placed in the joint to fuse two or more bones so that as the bones grow together, they can stabilize the joint. This type of procedure is common on smaller joints, such as the ankle or wrist, when joint motion needs to be eliminated to alleviate pain or correct deformities.
What to Expect When You Have Joint Replacement Surgery
Your orthopedic surgeon will advise you on the right type of surgery for your condition. Some joint replacements can be performed with minimally invasive techniques, requiring only a small incision, while some may require traditional open surgery. In addition, some may require a hospital stay, and some can be outpatient procedures.
After surgery, your recovery time will depend on the type of procedure performed. In general, you will likely have some discomfort and swelling as your body heals and gets used to the new joint. Your surgeon will likely refer you to a physical therapist who can help you perform exercises to improve your mobility and strengthen the muscles around your new joint.
At Inspira, our skilled orthopedic specialists are experienced in using advanced surgical techniques and up-to-date technology to perform joint replacements. We are committed to providing exceptional care in a safe and comforting environment to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
