A joint may need to be replaced with an artificial one when it is diseased or deformed. Joint replacement surgery aims to relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and improve walking and other movements. Your doctor will first suggest other options to reduce pain and help you move better, such as exercise programs, weight loss, physiotherapy, walking aids, physical therapy, and medications. Joint replacement surgery may be considered when other treatment options are unsuccessful.
Joint replacement is a highly successful procedure. It is effective in relieving pain, correcting deformity, and helping patients resume their activities and enjoy an active lifestyle once again. Long-term success rates vary from 10 to 20 years, depending on age, weight, and activity level.
Today’s procedures are very sophisticated and safe. They’re helping millions of people enjoy a healthier and more active life.
What is Joint Replacement Surgery?
Joint replacement surgery is a procedure involving the replacement of an arthritic or badly damaged joint with an artificial one. The goal of joint replacement surgery is to increase mobility and reduce pain. The procedure is either a partial or a full joint replacement using a prosthesis made of either titanium, cobalt chrome, ceramic material, or plastic, which are attached either with acrylic cement or press-fitted to allow the bone to grow into the implant. Your surgeon will consider the best prosthesis for you.
Why You Might Need Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgery is done on patients with joint damage caused by conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, which destroy joints and cartilage over time and make moving joints extremely painful.
Your doctor will consider your case individually to decide whether having surgery will be beneficial for you. They will consider your specific joint problem, level of disability, level of pain, age, your medical history, and your current health.
You may be a good candidate for joint replacement surgery if you experience severe joint pain, joint stiffness, limping, muscle weakness, structural deformity, or swelling. It is recommended when you find that you can’t do simple everyday tasks such as carrying items, walking, putting on socks, getting in and out of a car, and climbing stairs.
What to Expect From Joint Replacement
Joint replacement surgery takes about two or three hours and requires about two days of hospital stay. Patients are usually admitted on the morning of surgery. Routine care after joint replacement includes wound care, pain management, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Recovering from joint replacement surgery depends on the type of joint that is being replaced, in addition to your general health before the procedure. The goal of recovery is to return to the daily living activities that are important to you. Although most joint replacements are successful in relieving pain and improving movement, recovery can take time. By six weeks, most patients can resume their daily activities, but recovery will vary from person to person.
There are some risks involved, just like other surgeries. During a joint replacement, there is a small risk of developing blood clots or an infection. Weakness and stiffness at the replaced joint are other problems that may occur after surgery. Adequate post care rehabilitation that includes food, exercise, and medicines have an important role in the recovery process. On very rare occasions, the implant may dislocate or become loose. In addition, an implant could wear out in about 20 years, which means you may need revision surgery.
Your surgeon will make every attempt to reduce your risk of complications. Going with a highly experienced and reputable surgeon increases the chances of you having a successful, complication-free procedure.
Joint Replacement in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
As a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with 30 years of experience, Dr. Meli can help relieve your joint pain and restore your range of motion using the most advanced minimally invasive techniques. If you have advanced osteoarthritis in your knee, Dr. Meli may perform joint replacement surgery, during which the damaged part of the joint is removed and replaced with an artificial implant, known as a prosthesis. Rehabilitation is often an important aspect of treatment and is almost always recommended after orthopedic surgery. Dr. Meli will refer you for physical therapy or occupational therapy to help restore your movement, strength, and function.
We specialize in general orthopedic conditions and acute injuries. Our team uses thorough diagnostics to prescribe effective treatment plans for patients. We excel in both surgical and non-surgical interventions to help you get back to living your life. To learn more about your knee replacement options, call Paul Meli Orthopedic Surgery today at (954) 324-7711 to arrange a consultation or use our online appointment request form to schedule your visit.
