Joint reconstruction surgery is a surgical procedure in which your orthopedic doctors rebuild (reconstruct) your damaged joint while preserving your natural bone and tissues.
Joint reconstruction surgery has many types, such as arthroscopy (use of arthroscope to treat orthopedic conditions), osteotomy (a process of removing a section of bone near the damaged joint), arthrodesis (fusion of two bones together to prevent the joint from moving and causing pain), resurfacing surgery, and joint replacement surgery.
During joint reconstruction surgeries, even though the chances of complications are low, but still possible to occur. Common complications are infection, blood clots, etc.Thankfully, there are many things that you and your orthopedic doctor can do to prevent the complications associated with joint reconstruction surgery.
Let’s talk about some common ways to prevent joint reconstruction surgery complications and where you can go for comprehensive orthopedic care in Westlake, OH.
Preventing Complications of Joint Reconstruction Surgery
Here are some things your orthopedic doctor and you can do before and after the surgery to prevent the complications of the joint reconstruction surgery.
Prepare Yourself for Recovery Before Surgery
It’s no denying that you can’t prepare for complications that could take place during surgery;however,you can prepare for addressing any complications that could take place while recovering.
Before surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will look at your medical history and health records, such as the history of underlying conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. This is because underlying conditions, such as diabetes, can put you at greater risk for surgery complications like infection. So, they will control or keep the symptoms of your underlying condition at bay to prevent complications after surgery.
Moreover, you must quit smoking before surgery as it increases the risk of wound healing problems after the surgery.
Watch Out for Signs of Infection
One of the most common complications of joint reconstruction surgery is infection. So, your orthopedic doctor will prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from developing after the surgery.Plus, your orthopedic doctor will also advise you to watch out for the signs of infection, like:
- Persistent high fever
- Increasing redness, swelling, and tenderness at the site of the incision
- Increasing pain during rest and activity
- Drainage from the wound incision
You must notify your orthopedic doctor immediately if you develop any of these signs. Typically, a minor infection at the wound site is treatable with intravenous antibiotics;however, for deep infection, you may need surgery.
Follow Your Rehab Plan
The rehabilitation plan after joint reconstruction surgery is focused on alleviating pain, optimizing function, and restoring your strength. It also helps prevent surgery complications, such as swelling, blood clots, and joint stiffness. Your physical and occupational therapist will include several physical therapy exercises and pain management modalities in your rehab program that will prevent complications and help you get back to your daily activities faster.
Joint Reconstruction in Westlake, OH
At Orthopaedic Associates, we have a team of board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons that provide highly individualized quality treatments, including joint reconstruction surgery, to ensure that your get back on your feet faster without any serious surgical complications.
If you would like to make an appointment with us, call today at (440) 892-1440 or request an appointment via this form.
