| Although medications are the first defense | | | | of fusion, ending the pain. Loss of the |
| against arthritis pain and swelling, if they | | | | joint's flexibility can result. However, the |
| fail to solve the problem, many doctors will | | | | area will be better able to handle weight and |
| suggest a surgical measure. Whenever someone | | | | offer general movement. In other words, the |
| is considering a surgical procedure, he or | | | | joint may not be 360-degree-flexible any |
| she should consult a physician for expressing | | | | longer, but there will be some lesser-degree |
| concerns and gathering information. During | | | | of flexibility overall without pain. |
| this time, he or she should discuss all of | | | | |
| the any potential risks involved with the | | | | Arthroplasty - This is the replacement or |
| procedure as well as all of the alternative | | | | rebuilding of an entire joint. And it is |
| measures. However, a decision is made to | | | | intended for those with high-level pain and |
| continue with the surgery, the doctor will | | | | movement impairment. It is discussed in much |
| recommend a procedure that he feels is best | | | | more detail in the section immediately |
| suited for the patient's condition and then | | | | following this one, offering a focus with |
| will explain what that procedure entails. | | | | regards to hip replacement. |
| Note that sometimes before surgery, doctors | | | | |
| prescribe blood-thinning medication and | | | | Arthroscopy - Growing more popular with the |
| advise you to do various joint movement | | | | improved use of technology, this procedure is |
| activities or exercises in order to increase | | | | when specialized instruments are inserted |
| circulation. | | | | into the joint by means of tiny incisions. |
| | | | During this surgery, the operating physician |
| Some benefits of going the surgery route can | | | | has helping staff members who aid the |
| include the stabilization, improved alignment | | | | computerized monitoring and some handling of |
| or replacement of a joint so that you can | | | | the instruments. The doctor can see the joint |
| have greater mobility, flexibility, overall | | | | on closed-circuit television and make repairs |
| use and range-of-motion. Surgery may also be | | | | to it, while talking through a microphone. |
| able to provide some level of pain relief | | | | Then not only are there physical results, but |
| where other treatment options might have | | | | the patient has a video with audio record of |
| failed. | | | | the entire occurrence for insurance and other |
| | | | records. Arthroscopy is often performed on |
| Be aware there are possible risks with | | | | an outpatient basis. And recovery time is |
| surgery, though, like blood clots resulting. | | | | generally much less than with other "open" |
| And your healthcare specialist may advise | | | | surgery. |
| against surgery if, for example, you have | | | | |
| existing health problems that could pose | | | | Osteotomy - This is a medical procedure that |
| possible unwanted risks. Some of these | | | | makes an actual cut in the bone, most |
| problems could include sickness or infections | | | | generally to correct youth deformities like |
| that would need to be healed first, being | | | | in the knee or hip. Osteotomy helps with |
| over weight, which could cause more stress | | | | re-alignment, stabilization, pain relief and |
| and delayed recovery, lung problems or heart | | | | the delaying of joint replacement |
| disease. | | | | alternatives for up to 10 years. |
| | | | |
| Common types of surgery used in the treatment | | | | Synovectomy - This procedure, generally done |
| of arthritis follow: | | | | via arthroscopy, involves the removal of |
| | | | diseased joint tissue lining or synovium. |
| Arthrodesis - This is the joining together or | | | | Results can include swelling decrease, pain |
| fusion of joint bones. Arthrodesis helps stop | | | | relief, improved but not completely healed |
| the progression of the disease at the point | | | | joint health. |