What Does Joint Replacement Surgery Mean?
Joint replacement is done to remove the damaged or diseased parts of the joint by replacing them with artificial devices or man-made parts. Mostly hips and knees are replaced in joint replacement surgery.
Others include the replacement of the fingers, ankles, elbows, shoulders, etc. At Bharath Orthopaedics, we use the most advanced techniques especially in joint replacement surgery in Chennai to help you relieve the pain and discomfort to restore to a normal life.
When Do You Require a Joint Replacement?
1. If the person is aged say above 55 years of age.
2. If you experience pain in your hip after a workout or exercise.
3. If you have stiff joints.
4. If you are unable to perform your routine activities.
Why Does Pain Develop in Joints?
With age, the Knee ligament surgery tissue that pads our bones becomes slim. Thus, the bones begin scouring against one another or squeezing against nerves and encompassing tissues. This causes joint agony. Falls and wounds before, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis Treatment, inactive way of life, way of life propensities, and drugs for specific circumstances all increment the gamble for joint torment.
Benefits of Joint Replacement Surgery in Chennai
- Pain relief.
- Peaceful sleep.
- Increased movements in the joints.
- Correction of deformity.
- Sports people can take part in low-impact sports activities.
- Quality of life is improved.
- Ability to return to normal life.
What is Arthroplasty?
The meaning of arthroplasty is surgical joint replacement. During the method, your medical services supplier eliminates a harmed joint and replaces it with a counterfeit joint. The fake joint (prosthesis) can be metal, artistic, or rock-solid plastic. The new joint seems to be the normal joint and moves likewise. Specialists can supplant joints in any piece of your body, yet the most widely recognized kinds of arthroplasty are hip replacement and knee replacement.
Procedures Followed
- Total hip replacement.
- Revision hip replacement.
- Knee joint replacement.
- Shoulder joint replacement.
- Hip joint replacement.
Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement is used to treat osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis using a prosthesis to eliminate pain. It is considered one of the most successful and common surgical procedures in orthopaedic surgery.
Procedure of THR
An incision or cut is made to expose the hip joint over the posterior lateral hip. A special instrument called a reamer is used in the acetabulum. The surgeon removes the femur or the thighbone and reams away the socket’s surface which secures in a socket made of polyethylene during the joint replacement surgery in Chennai.
Then, the surgeon uses a metalhead and stem into the thighbone by a press fit or using bone cement. After which, the ball is placed into the cup. So that, a new hip ensures proper stability and mobility. Then the muscles and soft tissues are closed gently.
Revision Hip Replacement
Revision Hip Replacement is a complex procedure where it takes a too long time and has more complications requiring larger wounds using specialist equipment. It is nothing but a part or all of your previous hip injuries or replacements that need to be revised.
The minor adjustments and massive operations of the joint replacement surgery in Chennai depend on the significant amounts of bone that get replaced.
Knee Joint Replacement
Knee replacement also known as arthroplasty is a surgical procedure done to resurface the knee for a patient’s arthritis or a bad knee injury. It resurfaces the damaged part of the knee exercises to reduce acute knee discomfort.
The Procedure of Knee Joint Replacement
During the joint replacement surgery in Chennai, an incision is made to the damaged part of the knee and resurfaced with a prosthesis. The prosthesis may be cemented or un-cemented depending on the patient’s requirement. Then the incision is closed using the surgical dressings.
Shoulder Joint Replacement
Shoulder replacement is done to reduce pain and restore mobility in patients with end-stage shoulder arthritis or suffering from severe shoulder fractures.
The Procedure of Shoulder Joint Replacement
The shoulder replacement surgery is done by replacing the damaged humeral head with a metal ball, and the glenoid cavity is replaced with a smooth plastic cup. The prosthesis may be a metal or plastic implant system.
Hip Joint Replacement
Hip joint replacement is done to replace the damaged ball and socket with artificial synthetic parts that mimic the ball and the socket.
The Procedure of Hip Joint Replacement
A cemented prosthesis is attached to the hip pain treatment with bone cement for quicker adhesion. Uncemented joints take a long time to get attached to the bone. Both the prosthesis used have differences regarding recovery. Another option is a muscle-sparing hip replacement to spare cuts through the muscles to reduce pain.
They are commonly performed anterior or posterior based on the location of the incision. Anterior incisions are made in the front of the upper thigh, while posterior incisions are made in the hip’s back.
Are You Healthy For The Operation?
An appropriate orthopaedic evaluation for joint replacement surgery in Chennai is very much necessary by getting treatment from a qualified orthopaedic specialist to share his/her opinion. The orthopaedist will gather information regarding your general health-related problems and then performs physical examinations.
Other tests like X-rays, blood tests, etc. will be done to complete the evaluation. After which, your orthopaedic surgeon will review the results and discuss the details with you to relieve your pain and improve your joint function.
What Determines the Appropriateness of Joint Surgery?
The appropriateness of joint surgery is determined by several factors, including the patient’s medical history, the severity of joint damage, the presence of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health and lifestyle considerations.
Medical History: The patient’s medical history plays a crucial role in determining the appropriateness of joint surgery. Factors such as previous joint surgeries, chronic conditions (such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases), and medications taken can impact the decision for joint surgery.
Severity of Joint Damage: The extent of joint damage is a critical factor in deciding whether joint surgery is appropriate. Joint damage can be assessed through imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, and clinical evaluations. If the joint damage is severe and affects the patient’s quality of life and ability to perform daily activities, joint surgery may be considered.
Presence of Symptoms: Symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion are important considerations in determining the appropriateness of joint replacement surgery in Chennai. When conservative treatments, such as medications, injections, or physical therapy do not effectively alleviate symptoms, joint surgery may be considered as a potential recommendation.
Overall Health: The patient’s overall health status, including age, body mass index (BMI), and presence of other health conditions, such as heart disease or respiratory problems, are taken into account. These factors can impact the risks and outcomes of joint surgery and are considered in the decision-making process.
Lifestyle Considerations: The patient’s lifestyle, including activity level, occupation, and personal preferences, are also considered. Joint surgery may be recommended if it aligns with the patient’s lifestyle goals, such as improving mobility and functionality to maintain an active lifestyle or returning to work.
How is the Need for Joint Surgery Diagnosed?
The need for joint surgery is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging studies, and sometimes additional diagnostic tests. Here are some common methods used in diagnosing the need for joint surgery:
Medical History: A detailed medical history is obtained, including information on the patient’s symptoms, previous joint injuries or surgeries, medical conditions, and medications. This helps the healthcare provider to understand the patient’s overall health and assess the need for joint surgery.
Physical Examination: A physical examination is conducted to evaluate the affected joint(s), including assessing pain, swelling, tenderness, range of motion, and joint stability. The physical examination provides important clues to the underlying joint condition and helps the healthcare provider determine if joint surgery may be necessary.
Imaging Studies: Imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT (Computed Tomography) scans, or ultrasound, may be ordered to visualize the joint and assess the extent of joint damage. These imaging studies can provide detailed information about the joint structure, bone quality, and soft tissue involvement, helping the healthcare provider to determine the need for joint replacement surgery in Chennai.
Additional Diagnostic Tests: In some cases, additional diagnostic tests such as blood tests, joint fluid analysis, or bone scans may be ordered to further evaluate the joint condition and determine the appropriate course of treatment, including the need for joint surgery.
Clinical Guidelines: Clinical guidelines, which are evidence-based recommendations developed by expert medical organizations, may also be used by healthcare providers to guide their decision-making in determining the need for joint surgery. These guidelines take into consideration factors such as the severity of joint damage, the presence of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health.
Joint Replacement Surgery Pre-op & Post-op Course
Joint Replacement Surgery Pre-op Course
All procedures require medical clearance by an internist at HSS which must be done within 28 days prior to your surgery date. We will coordinate these appointments as well as an educational class.
We recommend stopping the use of all anti-inflammatory, fish oil supplements, and other blood-thinning medications one week prior to surgery. Your clearing doctor will make recommendations regarding other prescription medications.
Joint Replacement Surgery Post-op course
Your hospital course will entail admission from 1-2 days. Once you are cleared by therapy after the joint replacement surgery in Chennai you can be discharged to home with provided visiting nurse services and physical therapy services at home. This will be followed by outpatient Physical Therapy. Your initial follow-up will be six weeks postoperative.
On average your return to work recovery will be approximately six to eight weeks, depending on individual recovery. The majority of patients will be able to resume most sporting activities in twelve weeks post-op.
What happens before arthroplasty (joint replacement)?
Before arthroplasty, also known as joint replacement, several steps and considerations are involved.
Diagnosis and Evaluation: Arthroplasty is typically considered for individuals suffering from chronic joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or injury-related joint damage. The first step involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, including a physical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic tests like X-rays, MRI scans, or blood tests.
Non-Surgical Approaches: Before recommending arthroplasty, doctors often explore non-surgical treatment options. These can include medication for pain management, physical therapy to improve joint strength and flexibility, assistive devices (such as braces or canes), weight management, and lifestyle modifications.
Failed Non-Surgical Interventions: If non-surgical interventions fail to provide sufficient relief or the joint damage is severe, arthroplasty may be considered. This decision is made based on the patient’s overall health, the extent of joint damage, and the impact on daily activities and quality of life.
Preoperative Preparation: Once arthroplasty is deemed appropriate, preoperative preparations begin. This involves a thorough assessment of the patient’s overall health, including any pre-existing medical conditions, medications, allergies, and lifestyle factors. Preoperative tests may include blood tests, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and consultations with other specialists to ensure the patient is fit for surgery.
Surgical Planning: Arthroplasty requires careful surgical planning. The surgeon considers the specific joint involved, the patient’s anatomy, and the type of implant that will be used. They may discuss the procedure with the patient, explain the potential risks and benefits of joint replacement surgery in Chennai, and address any concerns.
What are the advantages of arthroplasty (joint replacement)?
The advantages of arthroplasty or joint replacement include:
Pain Relief: Arthroplasty can significantly reduce or eliminate chronic joint pain, which is often the primary reason for undergoing the procedure. By replacing damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic components, arthroplasty provides relief and enhances the patient’s overall quality of life.
Improved Mobility: Joint damage can severely limit mobility and range of motion, making daily activities challenging. Arthroplasty restores joint function, allowing individuals to move more freely, perform activities with less difficulty, and regain independence.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Chronic joint pain and restricted mobility can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, affecting physical, emotional, and social well-being. Arthroplasty improves overall quality of life by relieving pain, increasing mobility, and restoring the ability to engage in activities previously limited by joint issues.
Long-Term Durability: Joint replacement implants are designed to be durable and long-lasting. While they may eventually require replacement after several years or decades, modern implants are designed to withstand regular use and provide an extended period of pain-free joint function.
Functional Restoration: Arthroplasty aims to restore not only joint function but also the natural biomechanics of the joint. By replicating the original joint structure as closely as possible, arthroplasty allows for more natural movement and weight-bearing, facilitating a better overall functional outcome.
Psychological Benefits: Chronic pain and limited mobility can lead to psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and reduced self-esteem. Joint replacement surgery in Chennai can alleviate these psychological burdens, promoting mental well-being and improving the patient’s overall outlook on life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, joint replacement surgery is a highly effective and safe procedure that can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic joint pain and stiffness. With advancements in technology and surgical techniques, joint replacement surgeries are becoming more precise, less invasive, and offer faster recovery times.
While there are risks associated with any surgical procedure, the benefits of joint replacement surgery often outweigh the potential risks. It is essential to consult with a qualified orthopaedic surgeon to determine if joint replacement surgery is the right option for you. With proper care and rehabilitation, joint replacement surgery can help restore mobility and allow individuals to return to their daily activities with minimal pain and discomfort.
Additional information to help you prepare for Smart Knee Replacement.