Joint Replacement / Arthroplasty

Joint replacement, also known as Arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged joint with an artificial joint (made of metal, ceramic or plastic). Typically, providers will replace the entire joint (total joint replacement). They rarely repair only the damaged section of the joint. The most common joints they replace are the hips, knees, and shoulders.

Surgeons can replace joints in any area of your body, but hip replacement and knee replacement are the most common types of arthroplasty.

Who requires a joint replacement, or arthroplasty?

If you have any of the following conditions, your surgeon may propose arthroplasty:

-Nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy (PT), medicines, bracing, injections, walking assistance devices, and rest have not alleviated joint discomfort.
-Joint stiffness and reduced mobility make it difficult or impossible to carry out daily activities.
-Inflammation (swelling) that does not improve with drugs or lifestyle changes.

These symptoms may be caused by the following conditions:

• Osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis.
• Arthritis rheumatica.
• fractures, including one in the hip.
• deformities of the joints, such as hip dysplasia.
• Vascular death (lack of blood supply to the bone).

What joints are replaced by orthopaedic surgeons?

The hip, knee, or shoulder joints are the ones that surgeons replace the most frequently. Hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, and shoulder arthroplasty are the names given by providers to these surgeries.

All the following joints can currently be replaced through surgery:

• Ankles.
• Elbows.
• Hips.
• Knees.
• Shoulders.
• Toes.
• Wrists.

What are the benefits of arthroplasty (joint replacement) surgery?

Joint replacement procedures to replace a joint can help you move freely and without pain. Many people can participate in activities they once loved after having a joint replacement. These procedures enable people to lead active lifestyles, considerably enhancing quality of life and general health.

What are the risks with arthroplasty?

The risks of arthroplasty problems are the same as those of any operation. The risks comprise:

• blood clotting.
• Infection.
• Nerve damage or injury near the replacement joint.
• stiffness, brittleness, or instability of the
• joints that could cause a fracture.
• complications with the replacement joint, such as dislocation.

If you have certain medical conditions, you are more likely to experience difficulties after an arthroplasty. If you have diabetes, haemophilia, or an autoimmune disorder like lupus, let your surgeon know before the procedure. Recovery from joint replacement may be more difficult under certain circumstances.

How long do joints last after replacement?

New joints typically lasts between 10 and 15 years. Yet, everyone’s recovery from arthroplasty is unique. What you can do to take care of your new joint should be discussed with your provider. It might be possible to replace your joint replacement with a new one if it starts to wear out after 15 years.