What Is Joint Replacement?
Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, involves replacing damaged or diseased joints with artificial components made of metal, plastic or ceramic. These implants mimic the movement of a natural joint, relieving pain and improving mobility.
The procedure is most often performed on the hips and knees, but can also treat
shoulders, ankles, elbows and fingers. It is usually considered when nonsurgical
treatments such as therapy, medications or assistive devices no longer provide relief.
Joint replacement may improve the quality of life for people with limited mobility due to arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Advanced options, including robotic-assisted surgery, can support greater precision and help patients return to daily activities with less pain.
Why Would You Need a Joint Replacement? Who Qualifies?
If you are struggling with chronic joint pain that makes it difficult to walk, bend or perform everyday tasks, joint replacement may be an option to help restore your mobility and independence.
A patient who needs joint replacement usually has damaged joints due to arthritis, injury, disease or simply years of wear and tear. Your doctor may first recommend conservative treatment options like medications, lifestyle changes or orthopaedic rehab but if these methods do not provide relief, a joint replacement procedure may be necessary.
Oftentimes, people with the following conditions and injuries are considered candidates:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteonecrosis
- Bone tumors
- Loss of joint cartilage
- Degenerative joint disease (inflammatory or noninflammatory)
Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement Surgery in El Paso, TX
Many joint replacements can now be performed robotically. Robotic-assisted surgery gives surgeons tools to plan and perform procedures with greater accuracy. This approach is used for total hip, total knee and partial knee replacements.
In traditional joint replacement, surgeons use standard instruments and guides to prepare the bone and align the new joint. Robotic-assisted surgery instead combines three-dimensional planning before the procedure with computer navigation in the operating room.
With robotic instruments that provide real-time feedback, surgeons can remove damaged bone and cartilage, place artificial joints with improved alignment and help preserve healthy tissue.
Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery
Before surgery, patients can prepare by eating nutritious meals to manage weight, strengthening the upper body for mobility aids, reducing or quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol 48 hours before surgery and making simple home modifications such as adding handrails, using assistive items and removing tripping hazards.
Recovery After Joint Replacement Surgery
Recovery after joint replacement varies. Temporary pain is common as muscles and tissues heal around the new joint. Your orthopaedic doctor may recommend a rehabilitation program with exercises to help restore movement and strength. Additional support can be arranged if needed.
Joint implants often last 15 to 20 years or more and most patients can return to daily activities with greater comfort.
Connect with an Orthopaedic Surgeon in El Paso, TX
Understanding joint replacement surgery and when to consider it can help you
make informed decisions. If joint pain limits your lifestyle, talk to an orthopaedic doctor about whether joint replacement surgery might be right for you.