What happens in a Joint Replacement Surgery?

In a Joint Replacement Surgery, the damaged irregular surfaces of a joint are replaced with a material which is smoothly polished & fairly resistant to erosion. The surfaces have the high density medical-grade plastic spacer which acts as a shock absorber & filler in between the two rigid surfaces

How are these artificial surfaces fixed to the bone?

The fixation method of the components to the bones varies from joint to joint. When we consider the most commonly replaced joints the Knee & the Hip, in the Knee the components are fixed to the bone using a special material called bone cement which is a polymer which solidifies on activation & fixes these components to the bone whereas in the Hip most commonly the components are put snug fit (especially in younger age group) which later on integrate with the bone & stabilize

Which are the joints most commonly replaced?

Arthritis of the Knee joint is the most common followed by Hip. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body so other joints which may be affected are Shoulder, Spine, Ankle, Elbow & so on.

Total Knee Replacement is the most commonly performed Joint Replacement Surgery.

Does Joint Replacement surgery give good results?

Outcome after a Replacement surgery depends upon multiple factors, the severity of joint destruction, associated factors like obesity etc., and which joint is undergoing replacement. Results after Total Knee Replacement & Total Hip replacement are very good & consistently give good outcomes in more than 95% of people.

After Joint Replacement one cannot lead an active lifestyle?

Joint Replacement is a Lifestyle changing surgery one can easily do recreational activities which were impossible to do before the surgery due to pain & stiffness because now the joint becomes pain-free, the mobility is increased & the stiffness is gone.

The recovery period after a joint replacement is very long?

The recovery period after a Total Knee Replacement surgery depends upon the severity of the Knee arthritis, very severe arthritis takes around 6-8 months to get back good muscle tone & function to have comfortable walking with supporting medicines most people do very well from 3 months onwards post-surgery.

Joint Replacement Surgery can be a very gratifying surgery for the person who has suffered endless years of pain & stiffness & if done at the appropriate time it can be long-lasting too.