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Joint replacement surgery is typically recommended to patients who have tried non-surgical treatment but still have joint pain. While this is an extremely effective surgical treatment, total joint replacement should be considered as the last, rather than the first, treatment option for patients with advanced arthritis of the hip, knee or shoulder.



Fast facts


• Total joint replacement is one of the safest and most reliable treatments in any area of medicine.

• A hip or knee replacement done today typically can be expected to last for 20 or more years. In fact, for most patients, total joint replacement surgery will be a lifelong solution for arthritis of the hip or knee.



What is joint replacement surgery?

Modern joint replacement surgery involves removal of the worn cartilage from both sides of the joint, followed by resurfacing of the joint with a metal and plastic replacement implant that looks and functions much like your normal joint. Although nearly every joint in the body can be replaced, most replacement surgeries involve the hip or knee.



Over the last 30 years, improved surgical techniques and new implant materials have been developed, making total joint replacement one of the most reliable and durable procedures in any area of medicine.



What determines the appropriateness of joint surgery?

Severe or “end-stage” arthritis can be caused by a variety of problems including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint problems, previous joint injuries and fractures, joint infections and other rare conditions such as osteonecrosis (also called avascular necrosis). All of these problems result in damage to the cartilage which normally covers the ends of your bones and allows your joints to move smoothly and without pain.

Certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory types of arthritis, may be best treated by a rheumatologist, who specializes in treatment of these disorders. More common joint problems like osteoarthritis are typically treated by a primary care doctor, a rheumatologist or an orthopaedic surgeon. When medical treatment for arthritis recommended by your doctor becomes less effective, joint replacement surgery may be an option for you. These professionals are better qualified to determine if joint replacement therapy is an appropriate treatment choice for you.

The definition of “appropriate” for total joint replacement surgery changes continuously. In general, there is no set upper age limit for joint replacement candidates. Instead, the decision is perhaps best made based on your general medical condition and fitness for surgery, and how much your arthritis affects your quality of life.

While few patients are in perfect health, most people undergoing joint replacement must be sufficiently healthy or medically “tuned up” to allow their surgery to be performed safely. Before joint replacement surgery, talk to your primary care doctor to insure your health is good enough to undergo the anesthesia and rehabilitation associated with the surgery.



How is the need for joint surgery diagnosed?

For nearly all patients, arthritis or other joint problems that are typically treated with joint replacement surgery can be diagnosed with simple x-rays. Other causes for joint pain should be considered since referred back pain can be easily confused for pain associated with arthritis of the hip or knee, and pain from an arthritic hip can occasionally be referred to the knee. Inflammation of the soft tissue structures around the joint also can cause tendonitis or bursitis which can be confused with the pain associated with arthritis. A careful examination by your doctor and routine x-rays usually can determine the actual cause of your pain.



Prevention


Your need for joint replacement surgery can be minimized by comprehensive medical treatment of your arthritis. Arthritis medications; elimination of joint overloading activities such as running, heavy lifting and impact sports; weight loss; nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin; and joint injections can help you live with your arthritis for as long as possible. When these treatments are no longer effective, joint replacement surgery can relieve the pain and restore the quality of life lost due to arthritis.

Despite improvement in total joint replacement surgery, these operations are not likely to last a lifetime in young, active patients with arthritis. In some of these cases, joint preserving procedures such as osteotomies (removal of dead bone and repositioning of bone), joint debridement or “cleanouts,” and cartilage transplantation may be helpful in delaying joint replacement surgery.



Living with joint replacement


Following a relatively short period of recovery after surgery, patients undergoing joint replacement surgery typically return to a high level of activity. Speed of recovery following surgery depends on your level of activity before surgery, general health and overall physical fitness, degree and duration of physical impairment before surgery, the type of surgery you had, and your expectations and motivation. Physical therapy after joint replacement is very important.

Long term physical limitations after surgery are nearly always due to other orthopaedic or rheumatologic problems (significant arthritis in other joints, chronic low back pain) or major health problems (heart, breathing, other chronic illnesses) rather than due to any limitations of the joint replacement. In general, those undergoing hip and knee replacements can return to unlimited low impact activities such as swimming, water exercise, walking, biking, low impact aerobics, golf, and doubles tennis.

Most orthopaedic surgeons advise against high impact and joint overloading activities that involve heavy lifting, running, and jumping. However, few patients have any significant restrictions of their normal activities of daily living following hip or knee replacement.

Although patients typically obtain a functional amount of motion following hip replacement surgery, occasionally the limits of motion of a total hip replacement can be exceeded, resulting in dislocation out of its normal position. Patient education and understanding of the limitations of total hip replacement, especially regarding the potential for dislocation and range of motion restrictions, can help minimize the occurrence of this complication. Patients should be encouraged to discuss specific limitations and activity restrictions following total joint replacement with their surgeons.



Points to remember


Total joint replacement should be considered as a possible treatment option only after a reasonable attempt at non-surgical management has been determined to be unsuccessful. Talk to your primary care doctor before surgery to insure your health is good enough to undergo the anesthesia and rehabilitation associated with the surgery. There are specific limitations and activity restrictions following total joint replacement that should be reviewed prior to treatment.



Prepare for Joint Replacement Surgery



Joint replacement can relieve pain and enable individuals to live fuller, more active lives. If you and your orthopaedic surgeon have decided that you are a good candidate for joint replacement surgery, you will need several weeks to prepare, both physically and psychologically. By planning ahead and following these recommendations, you can help ensure a smooth surgery and a speedy recovery.



Understand the Procedure


Talk to your doctor. Learn what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Ask about the process of being admitted to the hospital, the type of anesthesia you might need, the type of implant that will be used, the length of stay in the hospital, rehabilitation, and pain management.

The more you know, the better you will be able to face the challenges and changes that joint replacement surgery will make in your life. Don't ever hesitate to ask questions, voice concerns, or speak up when you do not understand.



Assemble Your Personal and Medical Information


During the weeks before your surgery, many people will be asking about your insurance coverage, medical history, and legal arrangements. You may feel that you are answering the same questions over and over again, but this is necessary to meet quality assurance and medical insurance guidelines. If you have everything written down, you can reduce your frustration and speed the process.



Get in Shape for Surgery


The physical preparations you make can affect both the outcome of the surgery and your recovery time. Most of these suggestions are common sense, although some may surprise you.

If you smoke, cut down or quit. Smoking changes blood flow patterns, delays healing and slows recovery. If you drink, don't have any alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery. If you use any other types of controlled substances, tell your doctor. Narcotics and other drugs can have an impact on your surgery. Eat well. If you are overweight, your doctor may recommend a weight loss program. Ask your doctor for pre-surgical exercises. If you are having hip or knee replacement surgery, doing exercises to strengthen your upper body will help you cope with crutches or a walker after surgery. Isometric exercises can help maintain the strength of your leg muscles.

Also ask about the exercises that will be prescribed after surgery. If you familiarize yourself with these postoperative exercises and practice them now, they will be easier to perform after the surgery.



Medical Preparations


Several health care professionals will be involved in your surgery. As an active participant in health care decisions, you should ensure that each professional has the information necessary for proper decision-making.


Your primary care physician or an internist will conduct a general medical evaluation several weeks before surgery. This examination will assess your health and your risk for anesthesia. The results of this examination should be forwarded to your orthopaedic surgeon, along with a surgical clearance.

If you will be donating your own blood for the surgery, donation times should be scheduled at least one week apart, beginning about six weeks and ending approximately five days before your surgery. During this time, you should be especially careful to eat properly and take a daily iron supplement.

Shortly before your scheduled surgery, you will probably have an orthopaedic examination to review the procedure and answer any last-minute questions.

The anesthesiologist will meet with you to discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used.

You may need to take several types of tests, including blood tests, a cardiogram, a urine sample and a chest X-ray.

Advise your surgeon of any medical conditions you have and of all the medications you are taking. You may need to stop taking certain medications or your surgeon may recommend substitute medications until your surgery. Medications such as corticosteroids, insulin or anti-coagulants will need to be managed before and after surgery.

If you are also planning dental work such as extractions or periodontal treatments, schedule them well in advance of your surgery. Do not schedule any dental work, including routine cleanings, for several weeks after your surgery.

Notify your doctor if you come down with a fever, a cold or any other illness in the week before the surgery.



Why Choose We Care India for your Knee / Hip / Shoulder / Elbow Joint Replacement Surgery?

Our partner Hospitals adhere to international standards of clinical care, safe environment, medication safety, respect for rights and privacy, international infection control standards :


Our Orthopedic surgeons are vastly experienced in all kinds of Joint replacements, tumor, and pelvic surgery. Our surgeons have experience of doing thousands of Joint replacement surgeries - both primary and revision surgeries of the hip, knee , shoulder as well as Uni-Compartmental Knee replacement.

Our surgeons have pioneered bilateral simultaneous knee replacement surgery and are amongst the most experienced Knee and Pelvic surgeons in this part of the world. We Care India partner surgeons are amongst the very few in the world having experience in extra corporeal irradiation and re-implantation for malignant bone tumors.

Advanced Diagnostics and Support Infrastructure - 64 slice CT , High end MRI, Neuro-navigation surgical systems, Neuro-physiology and Comprehensive Rehabilitation services.

Finest quality implants, prosthesis and Consumables of international repute most of them imported from overseas countries are used.

Operation theatres built to international specifications having ultra-clean Laminar air flow system ensure highest standards of infection control, matching the best in the world.

Specialized physiotherapy and Rehabilitation services help the patient to return back to normal activity quickly after the surgery.

Even the most cost sensitive patient can afford world class services and amenities manned by English speaking dedicated well trained staff at We Care India partner Hospitals that already attract a large number of patients from US, UK, Canada and all over the world.



Conditions Treated


  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Post-traumatic arthritis of the hip, knee and ankle
  • Cartilage injuries
  • Osteochondritis dissecans
  • Femoro-acetabular impingement
  • Osteonecrosis
  • Problem joint replacements/revision joint replacements







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