Posted by Signature Medical Group on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 in Orthopedics
Not moving as fast as you used to? Is it too painful to take another step? Are your wrists and shoulders causing you're a lot of discomfort?
You may be a candidate for total joint replacement.
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic or ceramic device called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint.
A Signature Medical Group orthopedic surgeon can perform this type of surgery on your hips, knees, shoulders, and wrists.
Several conditions can cause joint pain and disability and lead patients to consider joint replacement surgery. In many cases, joint pain is caused by damage to the cartilage that lines the ends of the bones. That could come from from arthritis, a fracture, or another condition.
If nonsurgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and changes to your everyday activities do not relieve your pain and disability, your Signature doctor may recommend total joint replacement.
The surgery takes a few hours and is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center.
Recovery and rehabilitation will be different for each patient. In general, your Signature doctor will encourage you to use your new joint shortly after your operation. Although it may be challenging at times, following your doctor’s instructions will speed your recovery.
The majority of patients are able to perform daily activities more easily after joint replacement surgery. Most people can expect their joint replacement to last for many years, providing them with an improved quality of life that includes less pain, along with improved motion and strength that would not have been possible otherwise.
About the Author
