If you are experiencing quality-of-life issues due to severe arthritis and have been on an extensive course of conservative intervention but without success, a joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty) could be the life-changing solution you’re looking for.
Below are the significant advances in joint replacement surgery that will encourage you to discuss the treatment option with your surgeon.
Optimized Pain Management
As with any other type of surgical intervention, pain is an inevitable part of joint replacement surgery. However, advances in peri- and postoperative pain management enable you to get out of bed and start moving with your new joint faster—often right on the same day as your surgery.
To keep you comfortable during your surgery and recovery and help you recover faster, your care team will use a full arsenal of pain management modalities, including the anesthesia used during the procedure itself as well as nerve blocks, anti-inflammatories, and other types of non-narcotic medications.
Improved Implant Material and Design
The foremost goal of any type of joint replacement surgery is to help you move without pain and limitations with your artificial joint for as long as possible.
In the past, people who have had joint replacement surgeries face a considerable risk of implant failure or rejection. With the advances in implant design and technology, manufacturers have eventually come up with prosthetic components that are biocompatible (i.e., do not cause allergic reactions and are non-toxic), capable of withstanding heavy stress, wear-resistant, and low-friction.
The Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach
Minimally invasive arthroplasties have the same goal as those done using the traditional approach. The main difference lies in the length or size of the incisions and surgical instruments involved.
With a minimally invasive knee arthroplasty, for instance, your orthopedic surgeon will create a 4- to 6-inch incision—in contrast to the 8- to 10-inch incision created during the standard approach— through which they will insert miniature surgical instruments to prepare the bones and properly place the implants. To ensure optimal precision, your orthopedic surgeon will likely perform the procedure using image guidance.
Minimally invasive arthroplasties are becoming increasingly popular for a number of good reasons, as outlined below:
- Less pain during recovery- translates into reduced reliance on pain medications
- Reduced recovery time and faster return to normal activities
- Reduced risk of postoperative complications (e.g., infection and blood loss)
- Smaller incisions mean smaller scars and minimal damage to the soft tissues surrounding the diseased joint
Joint Replacement Surgery in Watertown, NY
One thing worth noting is that even with the remarkable advances in joint replacement surgery, its overall success still hinges on the clinical acumen and skills of a well-trained orthopedic specialist.
At North Country Orthopaedic Group, our board-certified joint replacement experts have established an excellent reputation for helping thousands of people in Watertown and beyond break free from the pain and movement limitations brought on by severe arthritis and live well with their artificial joints—for a long time.
To schedule a consultation with one of our joint replacement surgeons, call us at (315) 782-1650. You may also use our appointment request form, and one of our staff members will contact you to confirm your appointment.
