Have you ever been so stiff and in so much pain, that you start having problems with your mobility? If so, you’re not alone. Joint pain is so prevalent in people of all ages, especially in folks who are either getting older or have put a lot of wear and tear on their joints. Our joints can be damaged by arthritis, degenerative conditions, or injuries. Arthritis or simply years of use may cause a lot of wear and tear on your joints, thus causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Our bones are alive, and they need blood to be healthy, grow, and repair themselves. Diseases and damage inside a joint can limit blood flow, causing multiple problems, and when not treated properly, surgery may be required.
In the last couple of decades, joint replacement surgery has progressed leaps and bounds and is regarded as one of the most successful surgeries in the orthopaedic field. There are millions of people around the world who suffer from crippling joint disorders and pain, whether from injury, disease, or age. This form of treatment has come as a savior for such patients, making it possible to restore painless movement to the affected joint so that the individual can return to a normal life after surgery. While there are many kinds of joint replacement surgery, the main categories are known as either partial or total replacement.
What is joint replacement surgery?
In 2011, almost 1 million total joint replacements were performed in the United States. Hip and knee replacements are the most commonly performed joint replacements, but replacement surgery can be performed on other joints as well, including the ankle, wrist, shoulder, and elbow.
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure where all parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic, or ceramic device called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint. Alternately, if there is a lower amount of overall damage to the joint, a partial replacement will allow a surgeon to remove only the damaged or diseased parts, leaving healthy bone and tissue intact.
What is Total Joint Replacement?
During a total joint replacement, the damaged joint is replaced with an implant that mimics the motion of the natural joint, and is made from combinations of metal, plastic and/or ceramic components. The best candidates for a total joint replacement are people with severe joint pain who haven’t been helped by other treatments. Improvement in implant durability means that TJR is more common in younger people than in the past.
What is Partial Joint Replacement?
A partial joint replacement, is a minimally invasive approach to decreasing pain associated with joint damage. In this procedure, the orthopedic surgeon’s goal is to retain as much healthy joint tissue as possible. Thus, only the damaged or diseases portions of the joint are removed and replaced. This is a more conservative approach than full joint replacement and may result in more positive outcomes, depending on your unique situation.
With proper imaging and a thorough exam, an orthopedic surgeon will be able to make a solid diagnosis and inform you about your treatment options. To learn more about the different types of joint replacement surgery and other orthopedic treatment options, call OrthoUnited at (844) 469-2663 or request an appointment online.
