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Joint pain typically occurs when cartilage of the joint becomes brittle over time and wears away. When this occurs, the ends of the bones no longer have protective cushioning between them and they rub against each other. This can be very painful and uncomfortable for the patient.

In a joint replacement, your surgeon will replace the damaged joint with an artificial one. This simple procedure is very safe and has improved the lives of many who struggled with the pain of damaged joints.

Keep reading to find out if you’re a candidate for joint replacement so you can finally get the relief you deserve as soon as possible.

Your joint flexibility and range of motion is limited

If you’re experiencing a great deal of pain and limited range of motion in a joint like your hip, shoulder, or knee, you may be suffering from a damaged joint. In some cases, this pain can be reduced by simple methods, but joint replacement may be necessary in other severe cases.

You haven’t had luck with various non-surgical treatments

In order to get back to the activities you once enjoyed, you’ve probably tried several different non-surgical treatment options like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, injection therapy, and bracing devices. However, if your joint damage is too severe, these treatment methods may not provide improved results or pain relief. When all non-surgical options have been exhausted, joint replacement is your best option to help you lead a normal, pain-free life

You’re in good health otherwise

It’s important to be in good health overall before undergoing a joint replacement procedure. The physician will conduct an evaluation to determine if you’re healthy enough for the procedure before scheduling your surgery. Surgery is considered a last resort and involves anesthesia and rehabilitation for your new joint to work properly. Those who are not healthy enough to withstand the anesthesia or perform the rehabilitation are not recommended for joint replacement surgery.

You’re between the ages of 55 and 70

Individuals who are under the age of 55 typically experience failure after undergoing some joint replacement surgeries. The reason this occurs is because the younger the patient, the sooner the replacement joint will wear out. In these situations, a revision surgery will be needed in the future, but revisions are often less effective because there is not enough bone to support the implant.

If you fit into most or all of these qualifications, you are probably an ideal candidate for joint replacement surgery. However, it’s always essential to discuss your candidacy for joint replacement surgery with your physician. He or she will evaluate you and determine if you are, in fact, a good candidate for joint replacement surgery.

For more information about how to find an orthopaedic surgeon to perform your joint replacement surgery, download our education e-book, How to Choose an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

The post Am I a Candidate for Joint Replacement? appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

Finding a reputable surgeon that you can trust with your health is a crucial element of the surgery process. Keep reading to learn how to find an educated, reliable surgeon who will perform your surgery properly and get you back on the road to recovery as soon as possible.

Ask Your Neighbors

You’ll want to find an orthopaedic surgeon near your house so you don’t have to go very far for evaluations and the actual surgery. Find out from friends, family, and neighbors if they can recommend any great orthopaedic surgeons they’re familiar with in the area. Or, browse the Internet to read reviews that other patients have written about their experiences.

Browse the Facility

Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few reputable surgeons and practices, visit their offices and tour the facility. It’s important to meet the staff to determine whether they’re friendly and helpful. It’s also a good idea to take a look at the equipment. You don’t want to choose a practice with old equipment that isn’t up to date and doesn’t look safe.

Meet the Surgeon

Although surgeons have busy schedules, they are happy to meet with potential patients. Call the practice to schedule an appointment to meet the surgeon. It’s crucial that you’re comfortable with the surgeon you will be trusting with your health.

During your meeting, there are a few key questions that you should ask the surgeon to ensure they are the best person to perform your surgery.

• Do you think my injury could be treated without surgery? You want to be sure that surgery is absolutely necessary before going under the knife. Be sure to look into other non-surgical treatment options the surgeon believes you should explore before scheduling any surgery.
• How many times have you performed joint replacement surgery in the past three years and what were the outcomes? Finding out how many times the surgeon has performed joint replacement surgery will help you understand how experienced they are. If you’re not happy with the amount of times he or she has done the surgery, you should look elsewhere. Also, learning the outcomes of the surgeries they performed will tell you how successful or unsuccessful they have been.
• What will recovery be like? Find out about the type of recovery you’ll face after joint replacement surgery. It typically varies between joints, but hearing specific information from the surgeon will help you understand exactly what you’ll need to prepare for.

When you’re dealing with persistent joint pain and non-surgical methods haven’t helped you, joint replacement surgery is an effective way to relieve your pain. For more information on finding the right orthopaedic surgeon for you, download our e-book, How to Find an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

The post Finding an Orthopaedic Surgeon for Joint Replacement appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

Below are the most common types of joint replacement surgeries. Keep reading to learn more about these surgeries to see if one of them is the right choice for you.

Total Knee Replacement

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and having healthy knees is crucial for performing everyday activities like walking. It’s comprised of the lower end of the femur, the upper end of the tibia, and the patella, which is also known as the kneecap.  The knee can become severely damaged from an injury or arthritis, making it impossible to complete regular activities.

In a total knee replacement, the surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the femur and tibia, and then replace them with metal components to provide new surfaces inside the joint. A spacer is also inserted between the metal components to allow the joint to glide smoothly.

Knee replacement is usually recommended when you have limited movement in your knee, chronic knee inflammation, a knee deformity, or when non-surgical methods haven’t provided any pain relief.

Total Hip Replacement

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that is also one of the largest joints in the body. Both the ball and socket are covered in articular cartilage that can wear down from arthritis or injury and cause pain.

During a total hip replacement, the damaged femoral head (the ball of the joint) is removed and replaced with a metal stem that attaches to the bone. A metal bone is then placed on the upper part of the stem. The damaged surface of the socket is replaced with a metal socket, and a spacer is inserted between the implants to help the joint glide easily just like in a knee replacement.

Your doctor may recommend surgery if your pain limits your movement, continues during rest, if you’re experiencing stiffness, and after non-surgical methods were ineffective in providing relief.

Shoulder Joint Replacement

The shoulder consists of three different bones: the upper arm bone or the humerus, the shoulder blade or the scapula, and the collarbone or clavicle. The shoulder is another example of a ball-and-socket joint, and the cartilage surfaces of the ball and socket are supposed to glide smoothly against each other when you move your shoulder.

If this cartilage wears down as a result of arthritis, a rotator cuff injury, or severe fracture, you may have to undergo shoulder replacement surgery. Your surgeon will determine if you need to have a total shoulder replacement, or if you only need the ball or just the socket replaced. Because the shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, the surgical procedure will be similar to that of a hip replacement.

If you are dealing with joint pain, seek treatment today to find the relief you deserve. Joint replacement surgery is safe and will have you feeling like your old self again before the injury. To find out how to choose an orthopaedic surgeon, download our e-book, How to Choose an Orthopaedic Surgeon. This educational guide will provide you with all you need to know about selecting a reputable surgeon.

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