More than 435,000 Americans receive total joint replacements of their hips and knees each year. Still more have shoulders and other joints remade by these amazing orthopedic procedures.
Let’s explore the top five benefits of these highly successful surgeries and where you can go for outstanding total joint replacement in Watertown, NY.
1. Patients Experience Significant Pain Relief
People who undergo total joint replacement, or arthroplasty, have suffered from joint pain and stiffness for years due to the wear and tear damage of osteoarthritis. Their day-to-day lives deteriorate because they cannot stand, sit, work, or even sleep because their shoulders, knees, or hips hurt so much.
Typically, arthroplasty patients experience pain relief. After recovery and rehabilitation, they can climb stairs, walk, and even play their favorite sports once again, and their reliance on pain medications is significantly reduced.
2. Total Joint Replacement Is Safe
Once a patient is medically cleared by the primary care physician and orthopedic surgeon, total joint replacement surgery can be scheduled. Some physical therapy may actually precede the procedure to ensure the patient has sufficient muscular strength.
Then, during the procedure itself, the individual is closely monitored by the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nursing team. Afterward, recovery occurs at the surgical center or hospital and then at home. This takes a period of weeks to months.
Finally, joint arthroplasty is safe because the replacement components comprise biocompatible metals and plastics. Prostheses are customized to the patient’s knee or hip structure, and allergic or rejection reactions are virtually unknown.
3. Patients Recover a High Degree of Joint Function
Normalized balance, coordination, range of motion, and flexibility are benefits total joint replacements deliver. Post-operatively, patient activity increases, and day-to-day life normalizes as the individual regain independence and movement.
4. New Joints Last a Long Time
Fifteen years or even longer is the usual lifespan for hip or knee replacements. For older patients, arthroplasty is a one, and it’s done procedure. So, most orthopedic surgeons try to postpone joint replacements on young patients for as long as possible so surgery does not need to be repeated.
5. Joint Replacements Are Versatile
Orthopedic surgeons can perform the following arthroplasties:
- Reverse shoulder replacement
- Total shoulder replacement
- Total and hemi-hip replacement
- Partial knee replacement
- Total knee replacement
Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss your unique health needs and therapeutic goals with you to determine if and what kind of replacement surgery would help you.
North Country Orthopaedic Group in Watertown, NY
The orthopedic surgeons at North Country Orthopaedic Group are experts in total joint replacement surgeries of the shoulder, hip, and knee and have been performing these procedures for decades. We are highly experienced in treating adult patients of all ages with joint issues due to arthritis and traumatic injuries. We also serve many people in the military, such as those who are stationed at Fort Drum. From surgery to physical therapy and rehabilitation, we provide all the services you need to make a full recovery.
To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, call us today at (315) 782-1650 or fill out our online appointment request form.