| Generally, a joint replacement surgery is considered | | | | ankles, elbows, shoulders and fingers are also |
| when there is severe damage to the joint, bones, | | | | operated on. After a joint replacement surgery, the |
| surrounding muscles or tissues. It is recommended | | | | new joint has a lifespan of 10-15 years. Therefore, |
| only after all other treatment options have failed. | | | | younger people may need a number of replacement |
| Surgical intervention is often the last resort in cases | | | | procedures in their lifetime. |
| where the pain becomes too much or movements | | | | One of the most important things to ensure at the |
| are severely restricted. | | | | time of joint replacement surgery is the proper |
| When joints wear away with age or get inflamed | | | | positioning of the new joint. Incorrect positioning can |
| due to injuries, stress or trauma, pain, stiffness and | | | | lead to quick wear and tear of the new joint. Poor |
| swelling are natural. Unfortunately, these problems | | | | alignment can also lead to loosening of the new joint. |
| worsen with time, and in many cases, surgery is | | | | This explains why surgeons take maximum care to |
| required. Only a doctor can say whether the condition | | | | ensure the correct positioning of new joints. |
| is severe enough to warrant a replacement surgery. | | | | Advances in technology make it possible to ensure |
| Typically, doctors try alternative methods like | | | | the exact positioning of new joints. For instance, a |
| medication, braces and aids. But, as a rule, if there is | | | | computer assisted surgery uses probes to ensure |
| too much pain and if movement is highly restricted, | | | | the exact positioning of replacement implants. |
| surgery is indicated. | | | | Joint replacement surgery is a long procedure and is |
| In a joint replacement surgery, the damaged joint is | | | | carried out under general anesthesia. It has a high |
| replaced with prosthesis or an artificial joint. The | | | | success rate. Recovery depends on the patient more |
| artificial joint is made of materials like plastic or metal. | | | | than the doctor once the surgery is through. Patients |
| These are then inserted into the area and bound in | | | | must follow doctor's orders regarding rest, |
| place so that new bone can grow into it. In older | | | | recuperation, diet and exercise. |
| people, the new joints are cemented into place. In | | | | After recovery, the patient experiences almost total |
| younger people, there is no cementing as they are | | | | relief from pain and near normal mobility. In most |
| more active. | | | | cases, physiotherapy may be required to restore full |
| Joint replacement surgery is a common enough | | | | movement. The risks associated with the surgery are |
| procedure and it has a high success rate. Replacing | | | | the same as those associated with other surgeries |
| the inflamed joint will reduce pain, increase mobility | | | | and are generally dependent on the severity of the |
| and improve the quality of your life. Though hips and | | | | condition, age and general health of the patient. |
| knees are the most popular areas for surgery, | | | | |