Joint replacement, also known as arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased joint is replaced with a prosthetic joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. This procedure aims to relieve pain, restore function, and improve mobility in individuals suffering from severe joint conditions. Find out all the crucial details you need about joint replacement from Orthosports Associates, Birmingham's premier provider of orthopedic services.
Types of Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. It often affects weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and eventual joint damage.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis develops after an injury to the joint, such as a fracture or dislocation.
How Common is Total Joint Replacement?
Hip and knee replacement surgeries are among the most common orthopedic procedures performed worldwide. According to recent statistics:
- In the United States alone, more than 1 million hip and knee replacement surgeries are performed each year.
- The prevalence of these surgeries is increasing due to an aging population and the rising incidence of arthritis-related conditions.
Types of Hip Replacement Surgery
There are several approaches surgeons may take when performing hip replacement surgery:
Anterior Approach: In this approach, the surgeon accesses the hip joint from the front of the hip. This approach may result in faster recovery times and less muscle damage compared to other methods.
Posterior Approach: This involves accessing the hip joint from the back. It provides good access to the joint but may require a more extended recovery period.
Lateral Approach: With this approach, the surgeon enters the hip joint from the side. It provides good access to the joint while minimizing damage to muscles and tendons.
When is it Time to Have a Joint Replacement?
The decision to undergo joint replacement surgery is usually made after conservative treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications, have failed to provide adequate relief. Your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery if you
Experience:
- Persistent pain that limits your daily activities and affects your quality of life.
- Severe joint stiffness and loss of mobility.
- Chronic inflammation and swelling in the joint.
- Difficulty performing routine tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position.
It's essential to discuss your symptoms and treatment options with your healthcare provider to determine if joint replacement surgery is the right choice for you. If you have any further questions or concerns about hip and knee arthroplasty, please don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider. They will provide personalized information and guidance based on your specific condition and needs.
Orthopedic Services in Central Alabama
Orthosports Associates is the leading provider of orthopedic services in Central Alabama. We are a team of 19 physicians helping individuals attain the highest level of function through surgical and non-surgical joint treatments. We offer orthopedic services in our state-of-the-art facilities located across 11 locations in Greater Birmingham. While we do joint replacement surgery, there are other options than the procedure. We have to exhaust all conservative modalities like PT before the surgical intervention
Contact us to schedule a personal consultation.
