Is Total Joint Replacement an Option for Arthritis Sufferers?

If you suffer from arthritis, this condition can be extremely painful and, at times, completely debilitating. Pain medication can dull the ache of arthritic joints, but cannot take it away completely. Arthritis can start at any age and is not something that affects just older people, contrary to popular belief. If your pain management drugs are no longer keeping up with your pain level you need to talk to your doctor about other options, like total joint replacement surgery.

What is Total Joint Replacement? 

Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure where the damaged joint is removed and a metal, plastic or ceramic prosthesis replaces it. The prosthesis will, after it has healed, act like your normal joint – and even better! However, joint replacements like hip, knee, ankle, wrist or even elbow joints can take some time to recover. That’s why you should always consult with specialists who will decide if total joint replacement is right for you.

Talking to Your Doctor About Total Joint Replacement

Total joint replacement, or arthroplasty, is performed by an orthopedic surgeon in a hospital. Whether you choose to go to a specialized orthopedic center or opt for a local hospital is a choice only you can make. Many people who have undergone this surgery find that they often have better results in a center where this surgery is their specialty, however. The level of joint damage will ultimately determine if a local surgeon can perform your surgery or if you need more advanced care.

Deformed joints, excruciating pain, and loss of quality of life are reasons many people seek joint relief through surgery. Only your orthopedic specialist can help you make that decision, though. As with any surgery, there are always risks involved. Your overall health must be taken into consideration first. You and your doctor must answer questions like:

• Are you well enough to undergo a total joint replacement?
• Are you able to have someone care for you for a few months?
• Do you have other damaged joints that could be damaged during recovery?

Your doctor is going to want to do a thorough examination, complete with x-rays of the joints that are affected. You may also need an MRI or CAT scan and bone density tests beforehand. Cardiac tests may be performed as well, as blood work to rule out other diseases.

What to Expect After Joint Replacement Surgery

Once you have the surgery, don’t expect to feel better right away! Most patients will begin to notice an improved range of motion and less pain within a few weeks, although you will need to continue to take pain medications and engage in physical therapy for a while. Each joint replacement recovery varies, as an elbow may take less time than a knee. It also depends on the severity of damage to the joint and your age.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119