Joint Replacement

How Does a Joint Replacement Work?

When you have joint replacement surgery, your orthopedic surgeon removes your damaged, injured, or arthritic joint and replaces it with an artificial joint device, called a prosthesis. This prosthesis is made from metal, plastic, or ceramic, and is designed to replicate a healthy joint’s movement and function.

With the artificial joint, you have less pain, more mobility, and better joint function.

What Joints Can Be Replaced?

The team of orthopedic surgeons at Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy can perform joint replacement surgeries on many joints, but the most common include the hip and knee. Your ankle, wrist, elbow, and shoulder are also replaceable.

Many things can cause you to need a joint replacement, including damage from arthritis, overuse, or disease.

How Do You Know if You Need a Joint Replacement?

If you have chronic joint pain, a limited range of motion, or problems with how your joint functions, you may need a joint replacement. Before recommending surgery, your Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy physician opts for less invasive treatments like physical therapy, medications, and assistive devices.

If you don’t notice any improvement or your condition worsens, your doctor may perform diagnostic testing to investigate your condition’s cause and severity further. That could include X-rays or an MRI of your troublesome joint.

What Happens After a Joint Replacement?

After your joint replacement, prepare to stay in the hospital for a few days. If you’re elderly or have limited mobility or other complications, you may need to go to an intermediate-care facility before returning home.

In most cases, you start using your new joint the same day as your surgery. With knee and hip surgery, you’re often up, taking short walks the same day as your surgery or the next. At first, you may use a walker or cane for stability.

The day after your joint replacement, physical therapy starts. You’ll learn exercises to help strengthen the muscles around your artificial joint and get accustomed to how the new joint functions. These exercises may need to be done multiple times a day for the first few weeks after surgery.

If you think you may need a joint replacement, see one of the highly-trained professionals at Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy. Call the office today or go online to book your appointment.