Get Your Life Back With TJR
Total joint replacement (TJR) can be intimidating. Few people want to undergo a surgery known for long recovery times, hospital stays, and restricted mobility. Yet modern innovations in joint arthroscopy mean that individuals can fast-track recovery with an outpatient procedure. Whether because of arthritis or unexpected injury, some people will require joint replacement. These days, minimally invasive surgical techniques and modern material innovations mean that many individuals can expect such surgery to be performed on an outpatient basis.
When surgery is best
Not every individual who suffers from arthritis or a joint injury is automatically a candidate for TJR surgery. However, some common issues are reason for considering the treatment. For example, a person struggling with severe joint pain or stiffness due to arthritis could find that the operation eliminates discomfort and enables mobility. Likewise, even lesser known causes such as being diagnosed with bone cancer, experiencing joint infection or even a congenital abnormality may all suggest that surgery would be preferable to suffering in pain. More importantly, the benefits for TJR, especially in the case of a minimally invasive form, can't be ignored.
Reduced surgical damage
Historically, TJR operations were performed as open surgeries, meaning that large incisions were required along with more tissue being moved to insert joint replacement materials. Along with longer recoveries, patients also suffered with bigger scars as a result. By contrast, a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) requires a much smaller incision at the surgical site. Arthroscopy tools allow for more precise placement, which means reduced tissue disturbance and, ultimately, shorter healing timelines. Other positive side effects include the reduced risk of dislocation on the operated joint, which, by contrast, is far more commonly associated with open TJR surgeries.
Quicker recovery
Forced bed rest and limited mobility are two hallmark drawbacks of traditional TJR surgeries. The prolonged recovery timeline was directly due to the operating methods. Walking with supports may not occur until 3-12 weeks after the surgery and full recovery can take more than a year for most patients. MIS TJRs don't carry those timelines. Instead, a common feature is the significantly shortened timelines. Most often, patients are encouraged to begin walking with the use of assistive devices just hours after surgery. By 3-6 weeks, people are often walking unassisted. Full activity with limited to no restrictions can be achieved as early as 16 weeks after the operation.
Smaller scars
TJRs are essential surgeries but few people want to walk around with unsightly scars. Traditional open TJRs often resulted in large incisions with even research proving that big scars can impact self confidence and ultimately an individual's mental health. MIS TJR helps to reduce that concern because the smaller incisions results in less visible scarring. While open TJRs usually require cuts anywhere from 6-10 inches long, the MIS alternative yields smaller incision lines from 3-5 inches long. Those smaller scars result in feeling less self conscious and improved self esteem for patients.
Making the choice
Hip and knee arthroscopies are incredibly common, with hundreds of thousands of procedures performed annually. Although not every individual is an ideal candidate for a MIS operation, having the conversation with a physician to determine which option is best is a good idea. Both open and MIS TJRs yield similar long-term outcomes, but faster recovery, reduced scarring, and a quicker resolution of pain are strong reasons to consider a minimally invasive approach.
