Tired of joint pain? Let's learn about joint replacement surgery (Arthroplasty / Joint Replacement)!

Do you have an elderly grandmother, grandfather, or mother or father in your home who groans in pain when getting up from a chair or climbing stairs? Does he or she hold his or her knees and walk slowly? Perhaps you are experiencing this pain yourself. You may have been experiencing this joint pain for a long time, making it difficult to do even daily tasks. If the pain does not subside despite taking medication and doing various things, your doctor may have told you about "joint replacement surgery." That's what we are going to talk about today.

What is this joint replacement surgery (Arthroplasty)?

Simply put, arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of a worn-out, damaged joint in your body and replacing it with an artificial joint. In medicine, this artificial joint is called a prosthesis . These are made of materials that are resistant to the body, such as metal, plastic, or ceramic.

Imagine that a hinge on a door in your house is so rusty that it is stuck so tightly that you can't open or close it. What do we do? We take out the old hinge and put in a new one, right? That's how this surgery is. We take out the worn-out joint in our body and put in a brand new one. Then we can use that joint again without pain.

There are two main types of this surgery.

Depending on the extent of damage to your joint, your doctor will decide which of these two types is right for you.

1. Total Joint Replacement: This involves removing all of the damaged parts of the joint and replacing them with a completely artificial joint. For example, in the case of the knee, both the femur and tibia are replaced.

2. Partial Joint Replacement: As the name suggests, this does not completely replace the joint. Only the damaged part is removed and an artificial part is inserted in that part. This is sometimes called joint resurfacing .

Who needs this surgery?

Usually, a doctor doesn't immediately refer you for major surgery like this. First, they try to treat you with things like painkillers, physical therapy, and exercise. But if none of that helps control your symptoms, and if it's too much trouble for you to carry out your daily life, your doctor may suggest considering surgery.

Surgery may be necessary if you have these symptoms:

• Severe joint pain: If there is pain not only when walking or standing, but also when just standing.
• Joint stiffness: Difficulty bending or extending a joint. Like being unable to sit on a chair with your knees bent or sitting on the floor.
• Difficulty walking: Inability to walk due to pain or joint instability, requiring the use of a cane.
• Joint swelling: The presence of persistent swelling.

Also, if a fracture occurs in a joint due to an accident, fall, sports injury, or car accident, this surgery may need to be performed at a later date.

How do you prepare before surgery?

Since this is a planned surgery, you will have time to prepare well. Your doctor and surgeon will give you all the advice you need.

• Complete medical examination: Check whether your physical health is good enough to tolerate the surgery.
• Blood tests: Check for conditions such as anemia.
• Heart test (ECG): Make sure the heart is functioning properly.
• Dental exam: Don't be surprised, dental infections can travel through the bloodstream to the new joint after surgery and cause infection. Therefore, it is essential to resolve dental problems before surgery.
• Imaging Tests: An X-ray will definitely be taken. Sometimes an MRI or CT scan will also be ordered.

You should tell your doctor about all medications, including vitamins, you are taking. Some medications (especially blood thinners) may require you to stop taking them a few days before surgery. Your doctor will also advise you on when to stop eating and drinking the day before surgery.

What happens during the surgery?

On the day of the surgery, you will be given anesthesia so that you will not feel any pain. This may be general anesthesia , which means you will be completely asleep, or regional anesthesia , which means only the area of ​​your body that will be operated on will be numbed.

The surgeon will do the following:

1. Removes damaged cartilage and bone fragments.

2. The prosthesis is precisely placed and implanted.

3. Some of the surrounding bone may also be adjusted to fit the new joint.

Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement

With the advancements in technology, some joint replacement surgeries are now being performed with the help of robots. This does not mean that a robot performs the surgery alone. The surgeon still performs the surgery, but a computer-controlled robotic arm is used to assist him or her in implanting the artificial joint with extreme precision. This method increases the chances of the surgery being successful.

What are the benefits and possible risks of surgery?

Like any surgery, there are some risks. However, for many people, the benefits of this surgery far outweigh the risks. For someone who has suffered for years, being able to walk and do their work without pain is a great thing.

If you have other medical conditions like diabetes or hemophilia , you should definitely tell your doctor about it. He or she will help you manage your risks appropriately.

How is the recovery time after surgery?

Recovery time varies from person to person. It depends on your age, your pre-surgery health, and the joint that was operated on. It usually takes several months to fully heal.

These things are very important during recovery:

• Ice: Apply ice to the operated joint for about 20 minutes several times a day. This will reduce pain and swelling.
• Elevating the joint: Whenever possible, keep the joint above the level of the heart by placing it on pillows.
• Keeping the wound clean: Keep the wound clean and covered as directed by your doctor. Also follow your doctor's instructions regarding bathing times.
• Physical Therapy: This is extremely important . You should do exercises exactly as directed by a physiotherapist. This will strengthen the muscles around the joint and allow the joint to move better.
• Avoiding joint-jerking positions: Your doctor will advise you to avoid certain positions that can cause joint-jerking, especially in the first few months after hip and shoulder surgery. Follow these tips exactly.

Pain management

It is normal to feel some pain after surgery, especially in the first few weeks. Your doctor will prescribe painkillers for you. Take them at the right time and in the right dosage. If the pain is unbearable, let your doctor know.

If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately!

It is very important to take care of your body when you get home after surgery. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor or the hospital immediately.

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
• Fever higher than 39 Celsius (101 Fahrenheit)
• Bleeding, pus, bad odor, redness, or excessive swelling from the surgical wound.
• New or worsening pain in the thigh, ankle, or foot.
• The pain is so severe that it cannot be controlled even with painkillers.

Joint replacement surgery is a big decision. But if done right, it can make a huge difference in your life. There's nothing better than being able to walk freely and do your job without pain.