A joint replacement is performed to replace all or part of a damaged joint, such as that typically diagnosed in advanced-stage osteoarthritis. The joint will be repaired using prosthetic materials.
A total joint replacement surgery will be recommended if no part of the joint can be salvaged; a partial replacement can be performed if some tissue in the joint is still in good condition. What the surgeon recommends will depend on the extent of the damage.
Let’s look at the two most common types of joint replacement surgeries and how each one can help patients get back their mobility.
Total Hip Replacement Surgery
More than 300,000 hip replacement surgeries, or hip arthroplasties, are performed each year in the United States. During the procedure, the surgeon replaces the top of the femoral bone (thighbone, or upper leg bone) and ancillary tissues that are damaged in the hip joint with prosthetic materials. The new hip should work very similarly to the original hip.
The surgeon will remove the arthritic end of the femur bone and prepare the socket for the prosthesis by shaping it. A prosthetic cup is then placed in the socket using medical-grade cement, and a liner is placed in the cup for smooth movement of the new joint. A prosthetic femoral stem is then fitted with a prosthetic ball, as a new head is placed on the femoral bone.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Over 600,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed in the United States annually. This is usually recommended for patients who have late-stage knee arthritis who no longer respond to conservative treatment methods.
During the procedure, the surgeon replaces the damaged knee joint with a prosthesis made of medical-grade metal and plastic components. The prosthetics comprise the tibial, femoral, and patellar components that are designed to move like your original knee.
The prosthesis is usually attached using cement just as in hip replacement surgery. A knee prosthesis can last up to 20 years.
Joint Replacement Doctors in Westlake, Ohio
Joint replacement surgery is safe and effective at restoring the patient’s joint function and improving their quality of life. Just like with any surgical procedure, it comes with risks – so you should talk to your doctor about your body is likely to respond to all of the variables involved. The doctor will consider such things as any past reactions you have had to other surgical procedures, whether you have any allergies, and how extensive the damage is to your joint.
The success of joint replacement surgery also requires patient participation in recovery. Your physical therapist will show you how to perform special and easy exercises with your new prosthetic joint. You will want to continue doing these exercises on your own in order to preserve the health of your new joint and keep it working beautifully.
If you would like to know more about what joint replacement surgery can do for your joint pain and limited function, talk to any of our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons here at Orthopaedic Associates. Our facility allows us to provide comprehensive care to our patients, from diagnosis to post-operative rehabilitation.
To schedule a consultation with us, contact our team today by calling us at (440) 892-1440. We have two convenient locations in Greater Cleveland, and we look forward to serving you.
