Joint
replacement surgery is removing a damaged joint and putting in a new one. A
joint is where two or more bones come together, like the knee, hip, and
shoulder. The surgery is usually done by a doctor called an orthopaedic
(pronounced or-tho-PEE-dik) surgeon. Sometimes, the surgeon will not remove the
whole joint, but will only replace or fix the damaged parts.
The doctor
may suggest a joint replacement to improve how you live. Replacing a joint can
relieve pain and help you move and feel better. Hips and knees are replaced
most often. Other joints that can be replaced include the shoulders, fingers,
ankles, and elbows.
Joints can
be damaged by arthritis and other diseases, injuries, or other causes.
Arthritis or simply years of use may cause the joint to wear away. This can
cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Bones are alive, and they need blood to be
healthy, grow, and repair themselves. Diseases and damage inside a joint can
limit blood flow, causing problems.
A new joint, called a prosthesis (pronounced
praas-THEE-sis), can be made of plastic, metal, or both. It may be cemented
into place or not cemented, so that your bone will grow into it. Both methods
may be combined to keep the new joint in place.
A cemented
joint is used more often in older people who do not move around as much and in
people with “weak” bones. The cement holds the new joint to the bone. An
uncemented joint is often recommended for younger, more active people and those
with good bone quality. It may take longer to heal, because it takes longer for
bone to grow and attach to it. New joints generally last at least 10 to 15
years. Therefore, younger patients may need to have the same damaged joint
replaced more than once.
Joint
replacement is becoming more common. More than 10 million patients have a hip
or knee replaced each year. Research has shown that even if you are older,
joint replacement can help you move around and feel better.Any surgery has
risks. Risks of joint surgery will depend on your health before surgery, how
severe your arthritis is, and the type of surgery done. Many hospitals and
doctors have been replacing joints for several decades, and this experience
results in better patient outcomes.
For answers to their questions, some people
talk with their doctor or someone who has had the surgery. A doctor
specializing in joints will probably work with you before, during, and after
surgery to make sure you heal quickly and recover successfully.
With knee or
hip surgery, you will probably need to stay in the hospital for a few days. If
you are elderly or have additional disabilities, you may then need to spend
several weeks in an intermediate-care facility before going home. You and your
team of doctors will determine how long you stay in the hospital.
After hip or
knee replacement, you will often stand or begin walking the day of surgery. At
first, you will walk with a walker or crutches. You may have some temporary
pain in the new joint because your muscles are weak from not being used. Also,
your body is healing. The pain can be helped with medicines and should end in a
few weeks or months.
The success
of your surgery depends a lot on what you do when you go home. Follow your
doctor’s advice about what you eat, what medicines to take, and how to
exercise. Talk with your doctor about any pain or trouble moving. Joint
replacement is usually a success in most people who have it. When problems do
occur, most are treatable.