Joint Replacement Deconstructed
Degenerative conditions, injuries, and trauma can damage joints over time. Joint replacement (JR) is usually recommended after conservative management, including ice, rest, over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy (PT) have failed to provide relief from pain and disability associated with joint disease. Many individuals seek help when pain, immobility, and quality of life have suffered immeasurably. Joint replacement involves a surgical procedure where parts of a joint are removed and replaced with metal, plastic, or a ceramic device designed to replicate the movement of a healthy, normal joint. Large joints, including the hip and knee, are most commonly replaced, but many joints can be targeted with this procedure.
Conditions treated with joint replacement
Osteoarthritis (OA), which affects 80% of adults over the age of 55, is the most common condition that leads to the need for JR surgery. Considered a degenerative disease, OA occurs when cartilage in the joint breaks down from wear and tear or trauma, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and inflammation. With enough degeneration, a phenomenon known as bone-on-bone can occur. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that can damage various body systems, including joints. Trauma, like hip fractures from a fall, and avascular necrosis, where the bone’s blood supply is interrupted, are other reasons a person may need a joint replacement.
Traditional JR: a well-established procedure
Introduced in the 1960s, conventional JR procedures have helped millions of patients regain mobility. Considered an open surgery, a large incision is made, providing visualization and access to the joint for removal and replacement. Traditional JR is considered safe and preferred for complex cases. The downside to traditional open surgery is more extended hospital stays and recovery, more pain, more extensive scars, and bleeding. Infection is always a risk with any surgery.
The innovative solution
As joint replacement has evolved, technology and innovation have led to the development of minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) like robotic JR. Utilizing a robot to assist in surgery, surgeons can perform joint replacements with better accuracy and precision. Robotic surgery provides a high degree of dexterity, enabling the surgeon to work in tighter spaces that previously required an open technique. Smaller incisions, more precise surgical planning, less bleeding, less tissue trauma, quicker recovery, and lower hospital stays are some of the many benefits of robotic JR. Infection rates are reportedly lower than 1%, or 0.568%, according to one study.
Choosing the proper procedure for you
Many people find the decision to have joint replacement surgery burdensome. As JR surgery has evolved, technologically advanced options, including robotic-assisted replacement, are available. This minimally invasive option offers many benefits over traditional replacement methods, including shorter hospital stays and quicker return to activities. Consult an orthopedic surgeon to evaluate whether this technique is a suitable alternative to conventional JR surgery.
