INPATIENT SERVICES
JOINT REPLACEMENT SERVICES
WHAT IS JOINT REPLACEMENT?
Joint replacement surgery is removing a damaged joint, such as the knee, hip, or shoulder, and putting in a new one. An orthopedic surgeon usually performs this surgery. Typically, the surgeon will not remove the whole joint, but will only replace or fix the
damaged parts. Replacing a joint relieves pain, loosens movement and lessens stiffness. Joints that can be replaced include the shoulders, fingers, ankles, and elbows. Hips and knees are replaced most often.
Arthritis and other diseases, injuries, or other causes can damage joints. Simply years of use may cause the joint to wear away. All can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Bones are alive, and need blood to be healthy, grow, and repair them. Diseases and damage inside a joint can limit blood flow, causing orthopedic problems.
WHAT IS JOINT REPLCACEMENT LIKE?
A new joint is called prosthesis and can be made of plastic, metal, or both. It may be cemented into place or not, so that your bone will grow into it. Both methods may be combined to keep the new joint in place
A cemented joint is used more often in older people who do not move around as much and in people with “weak” bones. The cement holds the new joint to the bone. An uncemented joint is often recommended for younger, more active people and those with good bone quality. It may take longer to heal, because it takes longer for bone to grow and attach to it. New joints generally last at least 10 to 15 years. Therefore, younger patients may need to have the same damaged joint replaced more than once.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE?
You should prepare your home for your recovery by storing frequently used items in easy to reach cabinets, such as cleaning supplies and canned foods. Make and freeze meals or stock up on frozen dinners before surgery so that meal preparation is easier and requires less effort. Contact your friends/family for support and check the safety of your home to prevent falls or tripping.
Be sure to discuss mediations with your orthopedist, they may not want you to take any aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, etc.) for up to 14 days before surgery. You may be able to take Tylenol or medicines with acetaminophen.
Belongings you may wish to pack to take to the hospital include a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, eyeglasses/contacts, comb, deodorant, shaving cream/electric razor, shampoo, lotion, undergarments, slippers or flat rubber-soled shoes, and a robe. Pack loose fitting clothing for your trip home and any medications you are currently taking.
WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE DURING AND AFTER THE JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY?
The surgical team will administer medicine (anesthesia) so you won’t feel pain. The medicine may block the pain only in one part of the body (regional), or it may put your whole body to sleep (general). The orthopedic surgeon will then replace the damaged joint with a prosthesis. After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room for one to two hours until you are fully awake or the numbness goes away. You and your orthopedist will determine how long you stay in the hospital.
You may have some temporary pain in the new joint because your muscles are weak from not being used. Also, your body is healing. The pain can be helped with medicines and should end in a few weeks or months. Physical therapy can begin the day after surgery to help strengthen the muscles around the new joint and help you regain motion in the joint. The success of your surgery depends a lot on what you do when you come home. Follow your doctor’s advice about diet, medications, and exercise. Talk with your doctor about any pain or difficulty moving.