JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY
- Home
- JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY
JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY
Joint Replacement Surgery is an effective procedure in orthopaedics, wherein artificial metal implants are utilized to replace major joints, such as the hip and knee joints.
Who is Eligible for Joint Replacement Surgery?
Joint Replacement Surgery is offered to individuals whose natural joints have been damaged by disease or injury, causing difficulties in performing daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, and sitting. This treatment aims to restore joint function.
What is the lifespan of a Replaced Joint?
While a healthy organic cartilage surface provides minimal friction, an implanted joint replacement experiences higher friction, resulting in wear and tear. Consequently, the lifespan of an implant is typically 15-20 years. Ongoing research aims to enhance implant durability.
Historical Development of Joint Replacement Surgery Materials
The history of Joint Replacements dates back to the 1960s and 1970s when various materials were tested for replacing worn-out bearing surfaces. These materials included Teflon® and metallic alloys such as stainless steel and cobalt-chromium. However, in the 1980s and much of the 1990s, the preferred combination was ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and cobalt-chromium. Polyethylene exhibits low friction against a highly polished metallic surface. Presently, alternatives like metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-ceramic combinations are being explored as bearing surfaces. All materials used in Joint Replacement Surgeries are medically safe and biocompatible.
Optimal age for Joint Replacement Surgery?
In the past, Joint Replacement surgery was primarily chosen for the elderly. However, advancements in science, technology, and the desire for an active lifestyle have lowered the age threshold, with patients in their early 20s now undergoing the procedure. The selection of joint materials is customized for each patient based on their age, activity level, and the severity of joint pain/problems.
Joint Replacement Program at DMH
Dr.Muthus Hospitals, led by Dr.Muthu Saravanakumar, has performed over 8000 Joint Replacements, including hips and knees. He emphasizes that Joint Replacement Surgery is neither an emergency nor a compulsion.
Patients can postpone surgery by making simple lifestyle changes, modifying their diet and exercise, or opt for joint replacement surgery.
Dr.Muthu Saravanakumar is recognized as the best Joint Replacement Surgeon for his expertise in knee and hip replacements. He has significant experience in revision surgeries and has successfully completed numerous re-explorations.
Throughout his career, Dr.Muthu Saravanakumar has learned best practices from renowned Orthopedic Centers worldwide, gaining extensive exposure and acquiring knowledge of the latest procedures.
He strongly believes in the importance of a friendly approach towards patients, offering empathy and a reassuring smile, which makes a significant difference.
Dr.Muthu Saravanakumar has performed Joint Replacements on patients from the USA, Middle East, and South Africa. Many Orthopedic surgeons have chosen Dr.Muthu Saravanakumar to operate on their family members, highlighting his evident skill set.
In cases of bone and joint ailments requiring treatment, individuals can confidently depend on Dr.Muthu Saravanakumar, who combines knowledge, experience, and exceptional skills.
Dr.Muthus Multispeciality Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art operating theatres and an ICU dedicated to the care of Joint Replacement patients. The hospital’s Physiotherapy department comprises a team of skilled professionals who guide and train patients to regain normalcy at the earliest.
Book an Appointment
When is Total Joint Replacement Recommended?
Various conditions can cause joint pain and disability, leading to the consideration of joint replacement surgery. In most cases, joint pain results from damage to the articular cartilage—the cartilage lining the ends of bones—due to fractures, arthritis, or other conditions.
If nonsurgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and adjustments to daily activities fail to alleviate pain and disability, your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery.
Important Details Regarding Joint Replacement Surgery
- During joint replacement surgery, damaged or diseased parts of the joint are removed and replaced with new implants.
- The objective of joint replacement surgery is to alleviate pain, improve joint function, and enhance daily activities such as walking.
- If a Joint Replacement Surgery is performed on the right patient, by the right doctor, at the right location, the success rate can exceed 99%. However, complications may arise if an infection develops.
- Engaging in exercises can also help alleviate joint pain and stiffness.
- The wearing of the joint surface may become problematic after 15 to 20 years, but utilizing ceramics can extend the lifespan of an implant beyond 30 years.
Benefits after Joint Replacement Surgery
The results following a successful Joint Replacement Surgery are as follows:
- Resume daily activities and function normally.
- Patients who engaged in sports before surgery can engage in low-impact sports post-surgery.
- Enhanced overall health.
- Elimination or reduction of pain.
- Individuals can lead a regular life with a few essential precautions.
- Life improves as "Life is Motion, and Motion is Life.”
Rapid Recovery Joint Replacement Surgery
Arthritis pain is intense and impacts your daily activities. Joint replacement, either partial or total, involves replacing the diseased joint parts with artificial components. It’s a widely used and effective surgery for treating Osteoarthritis.
Commonly performed surgeries involve replacing joints such as the knee and hip.
Hip and knee joint replacement surgeries are significant advancements in medical science, contributed to by notable surgeons and scientists over the years. This progress has led to the continuous improvement of techniques, surgical equipment, and implant technology. While these surgeries greatly enhance quality of life, the traditional approach requires a longer recovery time.
Rapid Recovery Joint Replacement Surgery utilizes a novel surgical technique to address this issue, minimizing post-surgery pain and discomfort for patients. Its aim is to expedite the recovery process, encompassing physical, mental, and physiological aspects. Physical recovery focuses on restoring function, strength, and range of motion. Mental recovery aims to eliminate concerns and restore self-confidence and a sense of balance. Physiological recovery considers all major body systems.
Moreover, knee, hip, and shoulder replacement surgeries are not limited to older adults. Active individuals and athletes also require total joint replacement due to conditions in these areas. Dr. Muthu Saravanakumar and other physicians at DMH employ a pain management technique called Rapid Recovery, tailored to patients’ medical histories. This approach aids in faster post-surgery recuperation and minimizes discomfort, allowing patients to resume their daily activities sooner.
- In short – A Rapid Recovery Joint Surgery means:
- 3 hours to walk
- 3 days to go home
- 3 weeks to a better life
Benefits with Rapid Recovery Joint Replacement Surgery
The following are the benefits achieved with Rapid Recovery Joint Replacement Surgery:
Earlier mobilization & quicker rehabilitation.
Decreased hospital stay
Rapid recovery
Major reduction in pain
Removal of mental scar related with undergoing joint replacement surgery
More comfortable experience for patients
Quick mobilization & discharge results in lesser rates of post-operative risks such as blood clots, chest infections, wound infections, thrombophlebitis and nausea and so on
Eliminates the need for PCA opioids, epidurals and nerve blocks
Increased patient satisfaction
Rapid Recovery Program Stages to Control Pain
Stage one
starts prior to the operation, where the patient receives medications that treat various pain pathways. In the first stage itself medications are given prior to the surgery so that they start working when the patient awakens in recovery room.
Stage two
begins during the operation, i.e. when patient receives a long acting local anesthetic & an anti-inflammatory medication into tissues adjacent to the hips or knee.
Stage three
onsets after the successful completion of the surgery, i.e. when patients receive medications that aim diverse pain pathways &reduce the use of narcotics.
In the final stage
though the treatment starts after surgery it continues throughout the hospital stay.