Joint pain can significantly affect the quality of your life. You may find difficulty in doing simple tasks, such as walking, grocery shopping, or simply hanging out with friends. Joint pain can result from overuse and aging as our joints become weak and painful.
When a joint sustains damage from excessive wear and tear, the cartilage protecting it breaks down, leaving the joint unprotected. Depending on the pain level and the cause of your joint pain, you may either need joint reconstruction or joint replacement.
Joint Reconstruction
Joint reconstruction is a surgical procedure that aims to restore and repair the function of your joint. With advancements in technology, new surgical techniques can help preserve and improve your joint instead of replacing it. Selecting the right skilled surgeon can salvage your joint and preserve as much natural bone and tissue as possible.
Joint reconstruction is preferable for many patients, as it promotes a faster recovery than replacement unless your joint has damage beyond repair. By undergoing joint reconstruction, you may experience reduced pain, increased mobility, and improved quality of life.
There are many different types of joint reconstruction surgeries:
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery where your surgeon makes tiny incisions and uses a camera to see inside the joint and make minor adjustments. Surgical instruments trim soft tissues like cartilage and remove bone spurs. The surgery helps release pressure from tight ligaments to increase the range of motion of a stiff joint. Arthroscopy is used as a diagnosis tool, as well as a surgical technique.
Osteotomy
This procedure involves cutting a bone to remove a section of it near a damaged joint. Bone cutting shifts the weight off damaged cartilage and temporarily relieves pain.
Resurfacing Surgery
This surgical procedure involves replacing a damaged surface in a joint with an artificial part made of metal or plastic. Surgeons commonly perform it on the hip for younger patients.
Arthrodesis
Arthrodesis is where a surgeon fuses two bones in a damaged joint area. This prevents the joint from moving and causing pain to the patient. Surgeons suggest this procedure if medication and other conservative methods are no longer helpful.
Your surgeon will most likely suggest you undergo joint reconstruction if you are experiencing or need one of the following:
- Knee multi-ligament reconstruction
- Patella realignment
- Deformity correction
- Cartilage transplant
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
- Osteoarthritis
- Inflammatory conditions
- Trauma
Joint Replacement
Joint replacement is a surgical procedure that aims to replace a damaged joint with an artificial one. The implant may be metal, ceramic, or plastic. Surgeons may replace the entire joint, ensuring that your new joint looks natural and moves freely.
Those who undergo joint replacement most often need a total joint replacement. Only a small number of patients are good candidates for partial joint replacement, in which a part of the joint is replaced while the other natural part is left intact.
Joint replacement is necessary mainly for those experiencing a degenerative disease or traumatic injury. Suppose your joint pain hasn’t improved with nonsurgical treatments such as medications, bracing, physical therapy, and walking assistive devices. You also experience stiffness, limited mobility, and significant swelling around the area. Your surgeon will likely suggest joint replacement as the proper procedure for you.
Most patients who undergo joint replacement procedures have one of the following issues:
- Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fractures
- Joint abnormalities
- Avascular necrosis (a lack of blood supply to the bone)
Those who undergo the procedure may experience considerable pain relief, the ability to enjoy physical activities again, and improved quality of life.
What Are The Risks Of Both Procedures?
As with any surgical procedure, joint reconstruction and replacement come with risks. Some of them include:
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Infection around the replaced joint
- Injury or damage to the nerves
- Loosening of prosthetic parts, leading to dislocation
- Weakness, instability, or stiffness around the replaced joint, leading to a fracture
With the right surgeon and recovery plan, you have a higher possibility of avoiding these risks and complications.
Joint Reconstruction In Westlake, Ohio
The staff at Orthopaedic Associates, Inc. are board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons. We take the quality of your treatment seriously and will work diligently to ensure you have expert resources and care.
If you need joint reconstruction in Westlake, you may reach us at (440) 892-1440. You may also request an appointment. The most reliable Westlake doctors are with you every step of the way and look forward to serving you.
