Is Joint Replacement For You?
July 5, 2010 | Posted by admin As people age, their joints can break down from years of use. It can be the result of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA); or because of injuries.
The American Academy of Hip and Knee Surgeons estimates that a half a million hip replacements may be needed and 3 million knee replacements each year by the year 2030. They base these figures on the fact that our lifespans have increased, and as a result, there will be more cases of arthritis.
“Some joint replacements are due to hip fractures, but most are elective,” says Dr. Alan Valadie, an orthopedic surgeon who performs joint replacements and resurfacings at Blake Medical Center.
“People are living longer and living more active lives, which is causing the deteriorating of their joints,” he says.
However, the elderly are not the only candidates for joint replacement. Children and adults with RA can also experience joint deterioration and discomfort; and younger people can suffer joint injury when participating in sports or by being injured in accidents.
Factors to consider
Whatever the cause of joint problems or your age when you develop them, they can hamper your ability to get around and to accomplish everyday household or workplace tasks. Joint damage can also cause considerable pain.
Sometimes, inactivity contributes to a lack of mobility and flexibility, and incorporating a half-hour of exercise can prevent or delay health issues, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says. As a rule, doctors will usually have their patients try non-invasive remedies such as walking aids, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication, before considering surgery as an option.
Types of joint replacement
Joints that can be replaced include those of the knee, hip, finger, elbow, shoulder and ankle.
Knee
There are two types of knee procedures:
- In a partial knee replacement, one part of the knee is healthy but another part needs replacing. The surgeon removes the unhealthy portion and replaces it.
- In a total knee replacement, the entire joint is damaged and must be replaced.
Hip
Hip joints are the most often affected by age and/or illness. Osteoarthritis, which affects weight-bearing joints, is usually the reason for hip replacement, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Most people receiving total hip replacement are over 60 years of age.
- In a total hip replacement, a prosthetic joint is used. It has four parts: a hip socket, a liner, a ball, and a stability rod.
- With a hip resurfacing, a cap is put over the existing hip ball, and it is fit into a new socket.
Knee and hip joint surgery can take anywhere from one to four hours.
After the surgery
The majority of people who undergo joint replacement surgery are able to function normally, without chronic pain. Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process.
“We push people pretty hard,” Valadie says. “Patients take six weeks to six months to regain mobility.” Exactly how quickly they recover, he says, depends on the person and the type of procedure they undergo.
If you do not have an orthopedic surgeon and would like a referral, contact Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-866-4-HCA-DOCS, or visit Blake Medical Center online.
Categories: Main, Orthopedics | 
Tags: arthritis, Blake Medical Center, Bradenton Hospitals, Hip replacement, joint replacement, Knee replacement, rheumatoid arthritis | 
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