What is hip replacement?
It is a metal and plastic covering for raw, arthritic bone ends. It replaces cartilage that has worn away over the years. Hip replacement can eliminate pain and allow you to move easily with less discomfort. |
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Hip Replacement FAQs |
What is knee replacement?
It is a metal and plastic covering for raw, arthritic bone ends. It replaces cartilage that has worn away over the years. Knee replacement can eliminate pain and allow you to move easily with less discomfort. For those that have become bow-legged or knock-kneed over the years, it can also straighten your legs to a more natural position. |
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Knee Replacement FAQs |
What is Patella Femoral Pain Syndrome?
Patella Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a condition of the kneecap characterized by a rough or soft spot on its cartilage surface. In the past, it has been called chondromalacia patella, runner’s knee, or dashboard knee. |
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Kneecap Problem FAQs |
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is also called degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. Almost everyone is affected by it to some extent as they grow older. It most frequently occurs in weight-bearing joints, mainly knees, hips, and ankles. This form of arthritis slowly and gradually breaks down the cartilage that covers the ends of each bone in a joint. Normally, cartilage acts as a shock absorber, providing a smooth surface between the bones. But with osteoarthritis, the smooth surface becomes rough and pitted. In advanced stages, it may wear away completely. Without their normal gliding surfaces, the bones grind against one another, causing inflammation, pain and restricted movement. Bone spurs may form. |
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Osteoarthritis of the Knee and Hip FAQs |
What is joint replacement surgery?
Joint replacement, a surgical procedure to remove and replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint (called a prosthesis), may be considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain and/or disability.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that nearly three quarters of a million hip and knee replacements were performed in 2005.
How do I prepare for joint replacement surgery?
As with any surgery, there are some pre-operative considerations to keep in mind, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Autologous Blood Donation - Donating your own blood before surgery ensures a matched source of blood if needed during or after surgery.
- Exercise - Our bodies tend to heal and regain function faster when they are in good physical and cardiovascular condition.
- Medication - Before the surgery, discuss with your physician the medications you are currently taking. Some may need to be temporarily discontinued until after the surgery. Only this determination can be most appropriately made by your physician or orthopaedist.
- Discharge Planning - As with any surgery, be sure to discuss discharge planning with your physician beforehand. Your discharge plan may include instructions on care of the incision, pain medications, activities, special exercises, and other home care instructions.
- Rehabilitation - Persons who have received a total joint replacement can still lead functional, active lifestyles. One major component of many rehabilitation programs is exercise - to restore function, mobility, and strength to the affected joint and surrounding muscles. Discuss with your physician what an appropriate post-operative rehabilitation program should include.
Consult your physician for more specific pre-operative planning for your individual condition and type of joint replacement surgery.
What possible complications are associated with joint replacement surgery?
Although joint replacement surgery is successful in 90 percent of cases, complications may still occur, including, but not limited to, the following:
- wound infection
- infection around the prosthesis
- blood clotting
- malfunction of the prosthesis (may be caused by wear and tear, breakage, dislocation, or loosening)
- nerve injury (although rare, nerves in the surrounding area may become damaged during the surgery)
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