Chronic joint pain can greatly affect your daily activities. Here at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches, we understand this challenge. Daily activities that were once effortless can become burdensome, limiting your mobility and overall well-being. Fortunately, advancements in orthopedic surgery offer a solution: arthroplasty, also known as joint replacement surgery.
Understanding Arthroplasty
Surgeons can replace joints in your body with implants using a surgical procedure called arthroplasty. This implant helps your joint move better, reduces your pain, and improves your ability to get around. Arthroplasty can help treat symptoms such as:
- Severe joint pain that interferes with daily activities
- Joint stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Weakness in the affected joint
- Unstable feeling in the affected joint
While the thought of surgery might raise concerns, modern arthroplasty procedures are often minimally invasive and highly successful. They offer significant benefits, including:
- Reduced pain
- Improved mobility
- Enhanced quality of life
Different Types of Arthroplasties
Surgeons can replace joints in your body with implants using a surgical procedure called arthroplasty. Here are some of the types we perform at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches:
Hip Arthroplasty
In total hip replacement, surgeons replace the entire hip joint, including the ball and socket, with artificial parts. This highly successful procedure treats severe hip pain and arthritis.
Some patients only need a partial hip replacement, where surgeons replace the damaged ball of the hip joint with an artificial part. This less invasive procedure is suitable for patients with specific types of hip arthritis.
One type of hip replacement, called a direct anterior approach, uses a smaller incision in the front of the hip. This can lead to a faster recovery and less muscle damage.
Another minimally invasive option for hip replacement is the mini-posterior approach. Surgeons reach the joint through a smaller cut in the back of the hip.
If a hip replacement wears out, our doctors can perform a revision surgery to replace the implant with new parts. This procedure involves removing the original implant and replacing it with new components.
Knee Arthroplasty
Total knee replacement (TKR) involves replacing the entire knee joint with prosthetic components. A TKR can treat osteoarthritis, a condition that wears down the joint over time. New surgical techniques use smaller cuts, leading to quicker recovery and a higher chance of success.
A unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) replaces only one side of your knee joint, either the inner or outer part. This is a good option for patients with arthritis isolated to one specific knee compartment.
Revision surgery is also an option for knees, similar to hips. This involves replacing a worn-out, loose, or infected knee replacement with new parts.
Some surgery may involve cutting bone (osteotomy) to relieve pressure in a specific area.
Shoulder Arthroplasty
Reverse shoulder replacement is an innovative alternative for specific shoulder conditions, such as a rotator cuff tear. This surgery flips the ball and socket positions in your shoulder to improve its stability and how well it works.
Doctors can perform revision surgery to fix the problems if a shoulder replacement loosens or becomes stiff. This procedure involves removing and replacing the original implant with new components or addressing underlying issues affecting the joint.
Preparing for Arthroplasty Surgery
To prepare for surgery, patients will need in-depth checkups, follow specific instructions beforehand, and prepare for recovery.
Undergoing arthroplasty surgery requires careful preparation. At Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches, we guide you through every step of the process.
Your physician will assess and determine the best course of action. This may include:
- Preoperative assessments
- Physical therapy
- Education
Our doctors will carefully assess your overall health and joint condition. This may involve X-rays, blood tests, and other diagnostic studies.
Physical therapy exercises before surgery can strengthen the muscles around your joints and improve your flexibility. This can help you recover faster after surgery.
Our team will provide detailed instructions regarding medications, diet, and exercise restrictions before surgery.
Recovery After Arthroplasty
The time it takes to recover depends on the surgery and your health. Following your doctor’s instructions closely is key to a successful recovery. This typically involves:
- Physical therapy
- Pain management
- Monitoring progress
- Rest and activity balance
Postoperative care is paramount for a successful recovery. Adhering to prescribed therapy and rehabilitation exercises, managing pain effectively, and following your surgeon’s instructions will ensure the best possible outcome.
FAQs about Arthroplasty
What Is Arthroplasty, and How Can It Help Me?
Arthroplasty is a surgery that fixes a damaged joint by replacing it with a man-made part. This implant helps the joint move better, reduces pain, and improves mobility. This surgery treats osteoarthritis, a condition that wears down the joint over time and causes pain and stiffness.
What Are the Benefits of Arthroplasty?
First, it can significantly reduce your pain, allowing you to move more comfortably. Second, replacing the damaged joint with a functioning implant can restore your range of motion and flexibility.
What Is Recovery Like After Arthroplasty?
While recovery times can vary depending on the specific procedure and your health, following your doctor’s instructions is key. This typically involves physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the replaced joint. Remember, patience and realistic expectations are important during this process.
How Can I Know if Arthroplasty Is Right for Me?
If you’re experiencing chronic joint pain that limits your daily activities, consulting with an orthopedic surgeon is crucial. They can assess your individual situation and determine if arthroplasty is the best course of action for you.
Arthroplasty Near Me
Arthroplasty can be life-changing, offering significant pain relief and improved mobility. If constant joint pain makes it hard to do your daily activities, call Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches. Our experienced professionals can help you decide if arthroplasty is a good option for you.
At Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches, we’ll work with you to find the perfect treatment plan.
Call 561-733-5888 to schedule a consultation with Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches to discuss your options or request your appointment here.
