A joint replacement surgery is suggested by the doctors when there is severe damage to the joints, bones, adjoining muscles or tissues. The most common areas of this surgery are ankles, elbows, shoulders and fingers. When the joints wear away due to age or get swollen due to certain injuries then symptoms like stress, trauma, pain, stiffness and swelling are quiet natural. Unfortunately these symptoms worsen with time and in a lot of cases a surgery is required!
This surgery is only recommended by the doctors when all other treatment options have failed to respond. A surgical treatment is most often the last option in cases where the pain has aggravated, or the movements have become quiet restricted. Only a doctor can detect whether the condition is severe enough or not to go for a replacement surgery. Usually doctors first try for various alternative methods like medication, braces and aids. But if the pain does not subside down and if the movement has become very restricted then a surgery is suggested.
This kind of surgery has been performed on a lot of people and it has a high success ratio. In a joint replacement surgery the affected or damaged joint is replaced with prosthesis or an artificial joint. The artificial joint that would be used is made up of materials like plastic or metal. This artificial joint is then implanted into the affected part so that the new bone can develop and grow inside it.
When the inflamed joint is replaced with an artificial joint then it reduces the pain, increases the level of mobility and also improves the quality of life of the individual. In older people the new joints are cemented while in younger people there is no requirement for any kind of cementing as they are very active. After the surgery the new joint that has been implanted has a life span of 10-15 years. So the younger people may require getting this surgery more often!
While this surgery is being done the most important thing that must be considered is the positioning of the new joint. Improper positioning of the new joint can lead to wear and tear and loosening of the new joint easily. This is the reason why surgeons are extra careful while performing this surgery. Now with the advancement in technology the doctors can ensure the exact positioning of the new joints. A computer assisted surgery would ensure the exact positioning of the replaced implants.
Joint replacement surgery is a long procedure and is carried out under the supervision of a general anesthetist. The recovery of the patients is dependent on the patient as to how well they respond to the surgery. Patients need to follow the guidelines prescribed by the surgeon in terms of rest, recuperation, diet and exercise. After the total recovery, the patient gets relief from pain and also becomes mobile after some sessions of physiotherapy. Consult the surgeons of Max Healthcare for further information on joint replacement surgery.