Over the years, surgeries have become quite common. This might be because of the technological advancements, which made such surgical procedures available to the public in general. Combine this the increased conditions of arthritis is known to be a major factor in joints degeneration and thus lead to joint replacements.
Joint replacement surgery is a major surgery and there exists several factors that has to be considered prior to making a decision. However, the decision whether an individual has to undergo a joint replacement or not is, a judgment call, and it has been made by an orthopedic Surgeon, who analyzes patient’s social, psychological and other issues, in addition to pain, disability & X-ray changes before recommending Joint replacement surgery.
When Joint Replacement surgery is needed?
When all the treatments such as medications, physical therapy no longer shows any positive impact on patient’s conditions, surgery is suggested. Joint Replacement surgery is the last line of treatment recommended by the orthopedic surgeons. This is the most effective way to reduce joint pains, progresses patients’ mobility and improves deformity. Even, advanced arthritis condition is treated by Joint replacement surgery.
Causes of joint pains
Bones contain a smooth surface known as articular cartilage that enables one bone to slide easily against another. Moreover, joints are lubricated by a thin layer fluid known as synovial fluid, which acts as an oil in engine to keep parts sliding effortlessly. But, when articular cartilage gets damaged, or the joint fluid becomes abnormal, problems start developing, & joints becomes stiff and painful.
Below are the some of the other causes of Joint Pains
- Heredity
- Repetitive injures
- Genetic propensity to problems related with cartilage
- Problems with development of joint
- Severe trauma to joint cartilage
- Bursitis, or inflammation of cushioning pads around joints
- Lupus
- Gout
- Cartilage breakdown in the kneecap
- Infections
- Bone infection
- Overuse of joint
- Cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Rickets
- Sarcoidosis
Who undergo Joint Replacement Surgery?
If the arthritis problem is in is advanced stage, but you are in good health, then joint replacement may be a perfect option. However, your experienced orthopedic specialist, provides you with conservative treatment options & other minimally invasive procedures to try prior resorting to surgery.
In order to perform, joint replacement procedure, patients must abide the following conditions:
- Patient must have severe arthritis problem
- Patient must experience significant impact on his or her quality of life because of symptoms
- When other conservative treatments like anti-inflammatory medications & physical therapy failed to be effective, then joint replacement procedure can be considered
- If patient is ready to actively take part in rehabilitation program after surgery
Also, Joint Replacement Surgery is suitable for patients who have:
- Advanced Arthritis
- Bone Tumors
- Rheumatoid Arthritis –chronic inflammatory disease causing joint stiffness, pain& swelling.
- Injury/ Fracture
- Osteonecrosis –bone breakdown because of lacking blood supply.
However, few health issues, subsuming joint-related issues, might make joint replacement less suitable for the patient.
Who are not suitable for Joint Replacement?
An individual may not be a suitable candidate for Joint Replacement surgery if he or she:
- Have poorly-controlled diabetes
- Is an active smoker
- Is a morbidly obese
- Have any infections affecting arthritic joint in the past history
Further, the joint replacement surgery succeeds based on the health of remaining joints. If the joint has already undergone many surgeries, or if the joint has suffered from various infections, then it may not be enough healthy to handle the joint replacement. Further, if an individual’s joint’s structure is unusual or if he or she is having any sort of muscular deficiency, then for such individuals it is difficult to support the artificial joint. Considering the aforementioned factors, an orthopedic surgeon decides to whom Joint Replacement surgery has to be performed.