Surgery Is Not For Everyone
For decades, total joint replacement or arthroplasty has come to the rescue of millions with chronic joint pain. The procedure removes damaged bone and cartilage, then inserts a prosthetic joint. This technique significantly reduces pain and, more importantly, reclaims mobility for patients unable to move freely. The procedure has high success rates and lasts for years. That does not mean surgery is for everyone. Most patients with chronic joint pain respond well to non-surgical, conservative treatment and lifestyle changes. Still, there is a time when the surgery is the best course of action. These 3 signs recognized by doctors and patients should open the discussion for a total joint replacement.
1. Progressive pain despite treatment
Doctors will recommend strategies like physical therapy (PT), pain medication, and thermotherapy to reduce pain. Additional treatment, like corticosteroid injections and regenerative medicine, can make a difference. If all these options fail to improve symptoms and the patient continues to report pain, consider a joint replacement. If the pain not only improves, but gets progressively worse, conservative treatment is no longer effective. This is the best opportunity to talk about surgery.
2. Mobility is severely limited
Chronic joint pain is often caused by osteoarthritis, the gradual wear and tear of a joint. Over time, a noticeable loss of tissue and cartilage occurs, causing pain and stiffness. A complete range of motion (ROM) feels impossible without pain. Extending or bending the joint to perform simple tasks, like bending, straightening, climbing stairs, and walking, feels impossible. When everyday tasks are impaired, mobility decreases, hampering long-term health. This is a key sign that total joint replacement is needed for future mobility.
3. Your joint looks different
When left untreated, the joint goes through significant changes. Hone spurs and damage can shift a joint out of place, impacting mechanics. Some joints can appear out of place, or the body can look misaligned. Muscle begins to decrease as the joint is no longer strengthened and maintained through daily motion. As a result, one area can look smaller than the other. The reduced appearance, strength, and pain can change a patient's gait and cause instability.
Preparing for your replacement
Surgeons usually perform most total joint replacements on major joints like the knee, hip, ankle, or shoulder. While rare, smaller joints can benefit from total joint replacement, too. The surgeon helps the patient prepare for the procedure. Performing PT and other exercises in the weeks leading up to surgery helps with a successful procedure. Patients are advised to quit smoking and excess alcohol use, and disclose all current medications to the surgeon to avoid complications. Some surgical centers perform total joint replacements using minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or robotics arm-assisted surgery. These techniques let patients leave the same day, minimize complications, and improve success rates.
Don't wait any longer
Ignoring the signs for total joint replacement only means a life of pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Patients are unable to have social lives and spend more resources on pain management. Progressively worsening pain, limited mobility, and joint deformity are critical reasons to explore total joint replacement. Make this decision in consultation with an orthopedic surgeon who can assess joint health and suggest surgery. After surgery, successful rehabilitation means less pain, more mobility, and a new lease on life.
