5 Facts About Joint Replacements

Joint replacement surgery, also called joint arthroplasty, is a remarkable way for patients to regain musculoskeletal function, relief of pain and other debilitating symptoms. Arthroplasty, as a real boon to many of the 21 million Americans suffering from arthritis, replaces a diseased joint in the part or whole with synthetic components.

Let’s look at 5 facts about these amazing procedures and how your orthopedic surgeon in O’Fallon, MO, performs them.

Fact #1 Joint replacement surgery is not the first treatment choice.

The orthopedic doctors in Wentzville, MO, and across the United States try other treatment options to counter the effects of arthritis, injury, and other disabling problems, whenever possible. These include:

• Physical therapy
• Modifications to the job and household tasks
• Assistive devices
• Pain relievers
• Work in combination to decrease discomfort, increase strength, range of motion, and balance

However, if these more conservative measures do not meet the patient’s goals satisfactorily, the orthopedic specialist may consider joint replacement surgery.

Fact #2 Joint arthroplasty uses state-of-the-art metal and plastic components.

The American Academy of Orthopedics says that these materials faithfully image the shape, feel, and durability of a healthy joint. For instance, the surgeon removes the damaged end of the thigh bone and cements a metal ball in its place to fully replace a hip joint.

The doctor also removes the damaged socket in the pelvis and installs a plastic resin socket. The two components are joined together, and with good healing and rehabilitation, they closely approximate the natural ability to bear weight, balance, and move with a good range of motion.

Fact #3 During a pre-op evaluation, the orthopedic doctor explains the benefits and risks of joint arthroplasty.

As with any surgical procedure, joint arthroplasty can develop complications. Your doctor will consider your particular risk factors and explain possible complications. These may include:

• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT)
• Prosthesis failure
• Joint infection

These complications require medical intervention and sometimes revision joint surgery.

Fact #4 Joint replacement surgeries are very common and produce long-lasting results.

According to reports, about 300,000 Americans receive new hips joints annually. Knee replacement is even more frequent, with about 700,000 people in the US undergoing some kind of knee arthroplasty each year.

In terms of longevity, artificial joints last for 10 to 20 years and beyond, reports Harvard Health. Much depends on the kind of surgical technique and prosthesis and how healthy and active the patient is. Generally, today’s joint replacement surgeries are producing longer-lasting and better results than traditional procedures.

Fact #5 Many seniors get joint replacement surgery.

Hip and knee arthritis impacts millions of Americans, particularly those in their senior years. It’s encouraging that orthopedic surgeon performs arthroplasty on people of advanced age–even into their 80s and 90s. As with younger patients, overall health, motivation to stick with post-operative rehabilitation, and assistance from family and friends are key to full recovery.

Experienced orthopedic surgeons in St. Peters, O’Fallon and Wentzville, MO

At Advanced Bone and Joint, our 11 board-certified physicians are ready to present real solutions to your musculoskeletal problems. Joint arthroplasty is just one of them.

To learn more about how to recover your best orthopedic health and function, consult with one of our doctors by calling us today at (636) 229-4222. Alternatively, schedule your appointment through our website.