What You Need to Know About Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is a medical procedure in which a damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. It is a major surgery that usually requires several weeks of recovery. Joint replacement surgery is generally performed to alleviate pain, reduce disability, and improve the quality of life for those with severe joint pain and disability.
 
When Would You Need Joint Replacement Surgery?
 
Joint replacement surgery is typically recommended for those who have severe joint pain and limited mobility due to joint damage or arthritis. Your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery if you have chronic pain that does not respond to other treatments or if you have difficulty performing daily activities due to joint pain or stiffness. The decision to have joint replacement surgery is a personal one and should be discussed with your doctor.
 
Patients with severe arthritis, joint deformity, or severe joint damage are usually good candidates for joint replacement surgery. Joint replacement surgery can also be beneficial for those with joint pain and stiffness that limit their activities. Patients with inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may also benefit from joint replacement surgery.
 
In some cases, joint replacement surgery may be recommended if the damage to the joint is severe enough to cause deformity or disability. This type of joint damage may cause pain and immobility, as well as a decreased quality of life. In these cases, joint replacement surgery can provide relief and improve the patient’s quality of life.
 
What Are the Benefits of Joint Replacement Surgery?
 
One of the main benefits of joint replacement surgery is improved mobility. After surgery, many people are able to move more freely and with less pain. This can help them live an active lifestyle, such as participating in physical activities and sports.
 
Joint replacement surgery can also drastically reduce pain and discomfort. Many people who have undergone this type of surgery report a significant reduction in their pain levels. This can improve their overall quality of life and allow them to engage in activities they couldn't before.
 
Joint replacement surgery can also reduce the risk of further injury to the joint. After the surgery, the artificial joint is designed to move in a similar way to a healthy joint. This reduces the likelihood of further damage to the joint.
 
What to Expect During Joint Replacement Surgery
 
Before the surgery, your doctor will do a full physical examination and take a detailed medical history. A series of tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, may be done to determine the extent of the damage to the joint. The doctor will also discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with you.
 
During the surgery, you will be put under general anesthesia. The surgeon will then make an incision and expose the damaged joint. The damaged joint will then be removed and replaced with a prosthetic joint. The prosthetic joint is made of metal or plastic and is designed to function like a natural joint. The surgeon will then close the incision, and you will be taken to the recovery room to begin the healing process.​

After the surgery, when you will be moved to a hospital room to rest and recover, you may experience some pain and discomfort, but this can be managed with medication. For the first few weeks after the surgery, you will need to limit your activities to allow the joint to heal. The doctor will also give you physical therapy exercises to help strengthen the joint.

In the weeks and months after the surgery, you will need to take extra care to protect the new joint. This includes avoiding activities that put too much strain on the joint. You should also watch your diet and exercise regularly to help keep the joints healthy.

Final Thoughts

Joint replacement surgery is a life-changing procedure that can provide relief from joint pain and improved mobility. It is a major surgery and requires a lengthy recovery period, but the benefits can be great. With the right care and preparation, joint replacement surgery can be a successful and rewarding experience.

Get relief from joint pain and improve your mobility with the help of Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists. We are arthritis and total joint specialists that perform different types of joint replacement surgeries. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are on the cutting edge of technology, using the newest ceramics, metal technology, and minimally invasive approaches to ensure better outcomes for your knee and hip replacements. Get in touch with us today!