Total joint replacement surgery – also called joint arthroplasty – is an amazingly effective remedy for major joints that have been harmed by injury, overuse, arthritis, and other degenerative or traumatic conditions. For many people, it is the only solution that works to fix debilitating joint pain caused by arthritis, especially knee arthritis and hip arthritis.
Regardless of the recommendation by your orthopedic doctor, the decision of whether to go ahead and have a total joint replacement is your decision. Not everyone can have this surgery for various reasons (bleeding disorders, a weak cardiovascular system, etc.), so patients are indeed fortunate if their bodies are strong enough to handle this procedure.
Let’s talk about the type of patient who is a good candidate for having a total joint replacement, and where you can go in Watertown and the North Country for world-class orthopedic care.
Who Should Get Joint Arthroplasty?
In general, people who have deteriorating, injured, or diseased joints should try conservative treatments first. These include taking prescription medication, physician-administered cortisone injections into the joint, wearing a brace around the joint for support, and receiving physical therapy.
However, when joint symptoms persist or escalate (including chronic pain or loss of function in the joint), a total joint replacement becomes a primary consideration.
Good candidates for joint arthroplasty:
- Are in good general health
- Are motivated and able to follow a treatment plan during recovery, including physical therapy
- Have a good prospect for achieving full recovery, as determined by the orthopedic surgeon
- Have a good support system in place to help them during recovery
What Happens During Total Joint Replacement Surgery?
During total joint arthroplasty, your orthopedic surgeon removes the damaged portions of a joint and replaces them with bio-grade prosthetic materials.
For example, in a total hip replacement, the head of the femur (i.e., the round “ball” at the top of the thighbone, or upper leg bone) is removed and replaced with a metal ball. The natural rounded socket in the pelvic bone is resurfaced with durable prosthetic components to support the new ball-and-socket hip joint. Your orthopedist may utilize some of your natural joint tissues or fully replace them with prosthetics.
Total joint replacement surgeries are usually highly successful. They relieve patients of the stiffness, pain, and poor mobility associated with advanced arthritis, sports injuries, necrotic bone tissue, and more. Of course, the procedure requires an investment of time and patience in the post-operative recovery phase of their treatment.
Joint Replacement Surgery in Watertown, NY
Here in Watertown, New York, our team of highly trained professionals is headed by four board-certified orthopedic surgeons: Drs. Baird, Cash, Fish, and Van Eenenaam. We offer the latest surgical techniques, including reverse shoulder replacement, total hip replacement, and total knee replacement, plus a wide range of general orthopedics, physical therapy, and imaging services on-site.
If you’re ready to discuss having a total joint replacement or other types of orthopedic treatments, we’d be happy to meet with you for a full evaluation. Call us today at (315) 782-1650, or request an appointment via our online form now. We want to help you enjoy pain-free movement and a healthy and active lifestyle!
