Having joint replacement surgery can change the life of someone with severe joint pain and limited mobility. This surgery can be performed on the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and ankle, but by far the most frequently performed joint replacement surgeries are on the hips and knees.
More than 450,000 hip replacement surgeries and more than 750,000 total knee replacements are performed each year in the United States, and both types can be performed as minimally invasive surgery. Let’s talk about what’s involved in these two types of surgery, and where you can go for an evaluation and treatment of your joint pain.
Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery, or hip arthroplasty, involves replacing the ball-and-socket hip joint with a new prosthetic hip. The hip joint is covered with protective cartilage that can wear down due to overuse, causing wear-and-tear arthritis. With the protective cartilage worn away, the bones of the hip joint can rub against each other and become damaged, causing pain.
The femoral head, which comprises the “ball” part of the joint and is at the top of the upper leg bone (femur, or thighbone), is replaced in this operation with a prosthetic stem that is rounded at the top. The damaged socket is replaced with a prosthetic socket. For smooth gliding of the new hip, a spacer is placed between the artificial implants.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Also known as knee arthroplasty, knee replacement surgery entails the removal of the damaged parts of the upper shinbone (tibia, or large lower leg bone) and the lower thighbone, and these tissues are then replaced with prosthetic materials. A spacer is placed between the artificial parts for smooth movement of the new knee.
After a hip replacement or a knee replacement, you will receive physical therapy to show you how to move with your new prosthetic joint without damaging it. Let your surgeon know right away if you ever encounter any unexpected problems.
Joint Replacement Surgeon in the Palm Beaches
If you have chronic joint pain and you’ve tried almost every type of treatment without success, an orthopedic surgeon can determine and evaluate the precise cause of your pain. The orthopedist will then talk with you about treatment, whether that would be a full joint replacement or even less-invasive measures.
If you are interested in joint replacement surgery and would like to know if you are eligible for the procedure, our orthopedic surgeons here at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches will evaluate your condition and assess whether joint replacement surgery is right for you. Once we determine that you are a good candidate for the procedure, we will take the time to explain what is involved in the procedure, including how to prepare before the surgery and what to expect after the procedure.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our world-class orthopedic surgeons, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (561) 733-5888 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get back to the active lifestyle you enjoy!
