Total Joint Replacement: Explained
Total joint replacement is the surgical procedure in which an entire joint is removed. Following the removal of the joint, a new, prosthetic joint is surgically attached and put in place to substitute for your former joint. Joints are areas of the body where two or more bones connect and meet. The bone and tissue at this juncture is known as the joint. The most recognizable joints are your elbows, knees, and knuckles.
When Total Joint Replacement is Needed
Total joint replacements are necessary when the joint has become too weak or damaged to perform adequate and efficient functions. The most common causes of this damage are injury, arthritis, and the general wearing down of a particular joint. In our joints there exists something known as cartilage. Cartilage acts like a cushion between the bones and over time this wears down. When the cartilage is all gone the bones themselves can rub together. Whether from injury or age, this warrants the replacement of the joint because the function has diminished to a point that results in improper function or pain. Athletes and people over the age of 50 are the most prone to diminished joints.
The Total Joint Replacement Process
This procedure is performed by a medical professional who specializes in this type of surgery. When less invasive procedures and therapy cannot fix the afflicted joint, a replacement is necessary. The surgeon will remove the entire joint carefully during the procedure and then replace it with a medical grade prosthetic. The surrounding tissue is then attached to the new joint appropriately. Following the majority of these surgeries is physical therapy to help you adjust to the use and feel of your new joint as well as to build the muscles and tissue up to use it appropriately. The most common joints replaced are the hips and knees.
Other Join Replacement Services
Partial knee replacement
Total knee replacement
Revision knee surgery
Computer-assisted knee surgery
Total hip replacement
Revision hip replacement
Computer-assisted hip surgery