What Is Joint Replacement Therapy?

Joint replacement therapy is a surgical procedure in which all or part of a damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial device, called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to mimic a natural joint and may be a treatment worth considering if you are experiencing severe joint pain or dysfunction that is not responding to other more conservative treatments.

Different conditions can affect the joints, causing them to deteriorate or become damaged, which can lead to pain and disability. The most common condition to affect the joints is osteoarthritis, which causes cartilage, the protective joint lining, to break down and wear away. This can cause limited and painful motion and swelling in the joint. Other causes of joint problems include acute injuries (such as fractures), general wear and tear, joint abnormalities, and other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

When Is Joint Replacement Therapy Necessary?

Joint replacement therapy,also known as arthroplasty, may be recommended if you are experiencing chronic pain and/or dysfunction in the affected joint and when other conservative treatments have been fully explored. Treatments such as lifestyle changes, activity modifications, physical therapy, and medications are typically recommended initially for joint pain, but other therapies such as regenerative medicine may also be utilized. The best treatment for your joint condition will depend on the location, severity, and underlying cause of the joint pain, along with other factors such as age, health, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

When joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation isn’t improved with nonsurgical methods and mobility becomes increasingly limited, making it difficult to carry out your everyday activities, a partial or total joint replacement could be the best option to help relieve pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.

Although almost any joint in the body can be replaced, the hip, knee and shoulder are the most common joints to be replaced. There are various types of artificial joints available, which can be metal, ceramic, or a highly durable form of plastic. Your provider will help you decide which option is the best for your needs.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Joint replacement therapy may be carried out in an outpatient clinic or hospital. The surgical technique will vary depending on the type of procedure, the joint that needs replacing, and other factors. Some joint replacement procedures use minimally invasive techniques that require small, specialized tools, fewer incisions, less trauma to nearby tissue, and often involve a shorter recovery period.

During joint replacement therapy, the damaged bone and cartilage is removed from the joint and replaced with prosthetic components that emulatethe shape and function of a natural joint. Depending on the condition of the joint, some or all joint components will be replaced. This may include implanting a new prosthetic socket to replace a damaged socket,allowing smooth, pain-free movement in the joint.

How Do I Prepare for Joint Replacement Therapy?

Your provider will help you prepare for your joint replacement surgery. You may be recommended things such as physical therapy and dietary and lifestyle changes beforehand to ensure you are healthy for the procedure. You may also require tests prior to your surgery, such as a blood test, chest X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, to assess your overall health.

Be sure to discuss any health concerns, medical conditions, and medications you are taking with your provider in your initial consultation to ensure you are a good candidate for surgery.

What Are The Benefits of Joint Replacement Therapy?

When a joint is damaged, it can create friction in the joint, which can cause pain, inflammation, and prevent the joint from moving freely. Joint replacement therapy can have a number of benefits, allowing you to get back to your day-to-day activities. These include:

• Reducing pain
• Increasing mobility
• Restoring range of motion
• Improving strength
• Enhancing overall quality of life

What Other Treatments Can Help Joint Pain?

Joint replacement therapy is usually only considered when other conservative treatment options have been explored. There are a range of effective treatments that can help alleviate symptoms. Regenerative medicine techniques can even help promote repair in the damaged joint. Nonsurgical treatments that can help alleviate joint pain can include medications, physical therapy, cortisone injections and other ultrasound-guided injections, and facet injections. Regenerative treatments can include:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy–Treatment works by promoting your body’s natural healing processes using concentrated components of your own blood. It can reduce pain and promote long-lasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis of the knee, shoulder, and hip.
• Stem cell therapy–Involves injecting concentrated stem cells (harvested from your own bone marrow) into the affected joint to stimulate the body’s natural repair response to diseased, dysfunctional, or injured tissue. Treatment can help with conditions such as muscle and tendon injuries, rotator cuff tears, cartilage damage (caused by osteoarthritis), and much more.

Joint Replacement in St. Peters, Wentzville, and O’Fallon, MO

If you have ongoing joint pain and would like to discuss your treatment options, contact the orthopedic specialists at Advanced Bone & Joint. We provide comprehensive orthopedic medical care and a range of treatments, including joint replacement therapy, to effectively relieve symptoms.

To find out more about our orthopedic services or to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic doctors, contact us at (636) 229-4222 or request an appointment online.