Have you been experiencing pain in your joints, such as your knees, hips, or shoulders, for a long time? Do you feel like you can't get up from a chair, climb a flight of stairs, or walk a short distance? Sometimes, this pain and the stiffness in your joints make it difficult to perform daily tasks. So, the joint replacement surgery we are talking about today is a treatment for these worn-out joints.
Simply put, what is joint replacement surgery (Arthroplasty)?
It's very simple. Think of it like putting a new tire on your car when it's worn out. Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that removes the worn-out, damaged part of a joint in your body and replaces it with a durable artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal, plastic, or ceramic . This is commonly called a joint replacement.
This surgery can be performed on several major joints in the body.
- Hips
- Knees
- Shoulders
- Ankles
- Elbows
- Wrists
There are two types of surgery.
This surgery can be divided into two main types. Your doctor will decide which type is right for you.
| Type of surgery | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Total Joint Replacement (Total Arthroplasty) | This involves completely removing all the worn parts of the joint and replacing them with a completely new artificial joint. |
| Partial Arthroplasty | As the name suggests, this does not completely replace the joint. Only the damaged and worn part is removed and an artificial part is inserted in place of that part. |
Who would want to have this surgery?
A doctor usually recommends this surgery when other treatments have not helped. If you have any of these symptoms, your doctor may consider:
- Severe joint pain: Pain that does not subside despite taking medication or resting.
- Joint stiffness: Inability to bend and extend the joint properly (decreased range of motion).
- Difficulty walking: Limitation of activities such as walking and getting up due to pain.
- Joint swelling and instability.
Remember, this surgery is usually recommended for people with severe symptoms who have not responded to other treatments, such as physiotherapy and medications.
The main reason for this is arthritis . This surgery is often necessary, especially for people with osteoarthritis, a condition caused by wear and tear of the joints as they age. Also, some people with rheumatoid arthritis also have to undergo this surgery.
Additionally, this surgery may be necessary if a joint is broken (bone fracture) due to an accident or if arthritis develops after an accident (post-traumatic arthritis). For example:
- Falls or other serious injuries.
- Vehicle accidents.
- Sports accidents.
How do you prepare before surgery?
Your doctor will prepare you well before surgery. This may include:
- A complete physical examination: Make sure you are healthy enough for surgery.
- Blood tests.
- An EKG (Electrocardiogram) test to check the functioning of the heart.
- A dental checkup: Although this may seem a bit surprising, it is important to prevent infections in the mouth from traveling through the bloodstream and affecting the new joint.
- X-ray tests: You may also need an MRI or CT scan .
The most important thing is to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and supplements) . Some medications may require you to stop taking them before surgery.
Your doctor will tell you when you should stop eating and drinking the day before surgery. Usually, you will need to stop eating and drinking 8 hours before surgery.
What happens during the surgery?
On the day of your surgery, an anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia so that you don't feel any pain. This may be general anesthesia, which puts your whole body to sleep, or regional anesthesia, which numbs only the area being operated on.
During the surgery, the doctor:
1. Damaged cartilage and bone fragments are removed.
2. Implanting a prosthetic joint.
3. If necessary, some of the bones around the joint are adjusted to make it fit the new joint well.
Nowadays, some surgeries are performed with the help of robotic technology (Robotic-assisted joint replacement) . This does not mean that a robot performs the surgery. It means that the doctor is assisted by computer technology to perform the surgery more accurately and safely.
Recovery time and things to be aware of
Recovery time varies from person to person. It depends on your age, the joint that was operated on, and your overall health. It usually takes several months to fully recover.
Take special care of these things during your recovery:
- Ice: Apply ice to the surgical site for about 20 minutes several times a day. This will reduce pain and swelling.
- Elevating the Joint: Whenever possible, keep the joint elevated above the level of the heart by placing it on pillows.
- Keeping the incision clean: Follow your doctor's instructions exactly to prevent infection.
- Home exercises: Be sure to do the exercises your doctor or physical therapist recommends. This will strengthen the muscles around the joint and reduce joint stiffness.
- Physical Therapy: This is extremely important . You will need to exercise under the supervision of a physical therapist for several months.
- Preventing dislocation: Your doctor or physical therapist may advise you to avoid certain positions for a few months to prevent dislocation, especially after hip and shoulder surgery.
When to see a doctor
It is important to be aware of any complications that may arise after surgery. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital.
| Symptoms that require urgent attention | |
|---|---|
| Chest pain or difficulty breathing (dyspnea) | Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
| Fever over 101° Fahrenheit (39° Celsius). | Notify your doctor immediately. |
| Bleeding, pus, excessive swelling, odor, or redness from the surgical site. | These may be signs of an infection. Tell your doctor immediately. |
| New or worsening pain in the hip, ankle, or foot. | This could be a sign of a blood clot. Tell your doctor immediately. |
| Severe pain that does not subside even with painkillers. | Notify your doctor immediately. |
Joint replacement surgery is a big decision. But for many people who have been suffering from pain for a long time, it can be a great relief. It can improve your quality of life and help you get back to your normal activities without pain.
Take-Home Message
- Joint replacement surgery (Arthroplasty) is a very effective solution for severe joint pain and wear and tear that has not been relieved by other treatments.
- This surgery is generally very safe. However, like any surgery, there are some minor risks. Talk to your doctor about these.
- It is very important to prepare properly before surgery and to follow the instructions given by the doctor and physical therapist after surgery.
- It takes time to recover. With patience and exercise, you can return to a pain-free, active life.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or fears you have.
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