What is a total joint replacement?
When you undergo a total joint replacement, also called arthroplasty, all the damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with an artificial prosthetic joint.
Prosthetic joints are made from a combination of metal, plastic, and ceramic. Your artificial joint is designed to perfectly restore the joint’s natural range of motion.
Which joints can be totally replaced?
Nearly every joint in your body can be completely replaced, including your ankle, wrist, elbow, and finger joints. However, the knee, hip, and shoulder joints are the most common sites for total joint replacement.
What health conditions are treated with total joint replacement?
The following health conditions commonly lead to a total joint replacement:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis develops over years of wear and tear that gradually break down the cartilage that covers the ends of bones. As cartilage degenerates, the bones rub together, causing pain and stiffness. Before long, inflammation and bone spurs develop, movement becomes limited, and the joint can be destroyed.
Rheumatoid arthritis
With rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joint, causing chronic inflammation. Over time, inflammation damages the cartilage and erodes bones in the joint.
Posttraumatic arthritis
This type of arthritis occurs when an injury, such as a dislocation or fracture, damages cartilage or bones in the joint. As a result, degeneration accelerates, and arthritis develops.
Avascular necrosis
Avascular necrosis may affect your shoulder or hip. It develops after a dislocation or fracture diminishes the blood supply, which leads to bone damage, arthritis, and joint destruction.
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
Large, long-standing rotator cuff tears affect the dynamics of the shoulder joint. As a result, arthritis and cartilage degeneration develop, leading to a condition called rotator cuff tear arthropathy.
How is a total joint replacement performed?
Total joint replacement is considered after you’ve tried all other nonsurgical treatment options and you still have significant pain, loss of motion, and joint weakness or instability.
Prosthetic bones are made from metal or ceramic, while cartilage is replicated with a plastic, ceramic, or metal spacer that gives your new joint a smooth, gliding surface. Your doctor may replace the joint using minimally invasive or open surgery, depending on what’s best for your health care needs.
Total joint replacement is done at Restore Outpatient Surgery, which is integrated into the Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center facility. It’s a state-of-the-art surgical center that’s fully equipped to safely and effectively perform complex procedures.
If you suffer from joint pain and restricted movement, call Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center or book an appointment online.
