Common Knee Problems :: Hip and Knee Joint Replacement
There are various treatments for arthritis, including activity modification, pain relievers and other oral medications, injection to the arthritic joint and arthroscopic treatment for degenerative knees. If none of these methods of treatment are sufficient to improve chronic pain, a joint replacement might be an appropriate answer.Joint replacement surgery has been practiced for several decades. Despite frequent reports to the contrary in popular literature, the overall technique of replacement for both hips and knees has changed very little. We now employ materials and techniques for the replacement of both hips and knees which, on average, can result in excellent function for 15 years. Some patients have had excellent function of their replacement joints for considerably longer periods of time.
Joint replacement surgery actually involves resurfacing the worn out joint. To do so, the damaged cartilage and bone is resected from the joint surfaces. The ends of the bones are then recovered with metal components, which are specially designed and surgically positioned to fit perfectly on the ends of the bones.
The smooth gliding function of the cartilage is recreated with medical grade polyethylene plastic. For a total hip replacement, the hip ball is replaced with a metal ball, secured to a stem within the shaft of the femur or thigh bone. A metal socket is placed into the old socket on the pelvis, and the plastic liner is snapped into the socket. For a total knee replacement, the top of the shin bone or tibia is removed and a metal plate is secured in proper position. The end of the femur is removed and recovered with a metal component and the plastic is snapped into position between the bones. In some cases, the patella or kneecap is resurfaced, in other cases it is not.
Different types of anesthesia are possible for joint replacement surgery, including general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or epidural anesthesia. At the Beaver Dam Orthopaedic Clinic, we prefer our patients have epidural anesthesia, which gives complete loss of sensation during surgery, but does not require the patient to be asleep or require the use of a breathing tube.
The epidural anesthesia also allows excellent pain relief following surgery and may have other benefits as well. Some patients are up to stand and even walk on the day of the surgery, and almost everyone walks on the first day after surgery. Most patients are hospitalized for 3 to 4 days before returning home. Between 6 weeks and 3 months after surgery, most patients have regained independent lifestyles and function, and are able to enjoy the pain relief and increased activity afforded by their new joint.
For more information concerning joint replacement, please feel free to contact the Beaver Dam Orthopaedic Clinic, Ltd, at (920) 885-BONE (2663).
