What is an Arthroplasty of the Knee and Hip?
Arthroplasty, commonly referred to as joint replacement surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to replace a damaged or diseased joint with an artificial prosthesis. Joint replacement surgery is commonly performed on the knee and hip joints to alleviate pain, improve joint function, and enhance the patient's quality of life.
Total knee replacement (TKR) is a surgical procedure in which the damaged surfaces of the knee joint are replaced with prosthetic components made of metal, plastic, or a combination of both. TKR is commonly performed to treat severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions that cause significant joint pain and dysfunction.
What to Expect During a Total Knee Replacement
During a total knee replacement:
- Preoperative Evaluation: The patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including clinical assessment and imaging tests (such as X-rays and MRI) to assess the extent of joint damage.
- Surgical Approach: The procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort during the surgery.
- Incision: An incision is made over the knee joint to access the damaged surfaces.
- Joint Resurfacing: The damaged bone and cartilage are removed, and the surfaces of the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap) are resurfaced with prosthetic components.
- Prosthesis Fixation: The prosthetic components are securely attached to the bone using cement or a specialized material that promotes bone growth and adherence to the prosthesis.
- Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and the surgical site is dressed and bandaged.
What to Expect During a Hip Arthroplasty (Total Hip Replacement):
Total hip replacement (THR) involves replacing the damaged hip joint surfaces with artificial components. THR is performed to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip fractures, and other conditions causing pain and loss of hip function.
During a total hip replacement:
- Preoperative Evaluation: The patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including clinical assessment and imaging tests (such as X-rays and MRI) to assess the extent of joint damage.
- Surgical Approach: The procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort during the surgery.
- Incision: An incision is made over the hip joint to access the damaged surfaces.
- Hip Resurfacing: The damaged bone and cartilage of the hip socket (acetabulum) and the head of the femur (thighbone) are removed and replaced with prosthetic components.
- Prosthesis Fixation: The prosthetic components are securely attached to the bone using cement or a specialized material that promotes bone growth and adherence to the prosthesis.
- Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and the surgical site is dressed and bandaged.
Recovery and Rehabilitation from an Arthroplasty of the Knee and Hip
Recovery from joint replacement surgery involves a period of healing, pain management, and rehabilitation. Physical therapy is a crucial part of the recovery process. It helps patients regain joint range of motion, strength, and functional activities.
Benefits of an Arthroplasty of the Knee and Hip
Joint replacement surgery aims to relieve pain, improve joint function, and enhance the patient's quality of life. The success of the procedure depends on factors such as the patient's overall health, adherence to post-surgery rehabilitation, and proper surgical technique.
Risks and Complications of an Arthroplasty
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with joint replacement surgery, including infection, blood clots, joint stiffness, prosthetic loosening, and implant wear.
Knee and hip arthroplasty can provide significant relief for individuals with severe joint pain and dysfunction, allowing them to regain mobility and resume daily activities. However, outcomes can vary based on factors such as the individual's overall health, the type of procedure performed, and post-operative rehabilitation. It's important to discuss your symptoms, concerns, and treatment options with a qualified orthopedic surgeon to determine the most suitable approach for your knee or hip condition and related symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon or book an appointment online.