COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO JOINT PROCEDURES IN ARTHRITIS PATIENTS (CHECK TO SEE IF THEY’RE FOR YOU)
When is surgery an option?
If you suffer from joint pain from your osteoarthritis (OA) or another type of arthritis and you’ve explored all possible treatment possibilities with your physician, surgery may be the option for you.
It may be time to think about a joint procedure when there is damage to your joint, or the tissues surrounding it, and medications don’t help. It will be a decision, of course, that you will have to make together with all healthcare providers involved in your treatment, including your surgeon at the Orthopaedic Surgery Center in Raleigh.
Check your options
This guide to the most common surgical procedures can help you have a knowledgeable conversation with your physician about which type of surgery would be best for you.
Arthroscopy
What is it?: Surgeons use this procedure, which is performed with the use of a tiny camera, to repair tears in soft tissues surrounding your joints, fix damaged cartilage and remove broken cartilage pieces.
For whom is it for?: Active patients under 40.
Why have it?: This procedure may instantly reduce pain and improve range of motion in your joint, as well as eliminate your other symptoms. It can also be used as a preventative method to delay or eliminate the need for an artificial joint.
Joint Resurfacing
What is it?: If the procedure involves the knee, surgeons substitute the inside, outside, or front compartment of the knee with an implant. If the procedure involves the hip, surgeons replace the hip socket with a metal cup and the damaged hip ball is restructured and covered with a metal prosthesis.
For whom is it for?: Less active adults with arthritis in one knee compartment (knee)
Active men under 60 (hip)
Why have it?: This procedure can relieve pain and bring better function in the joints; your quality of life will be improved and even make it possible to participate in active sports again.
Osteotomy
What is it?: The procedure includes cutting out bone or adding a piece of bone close to a damaged joint.
For whom is it for?: Adults in their 30s or younger or those who are too young for a total joint replacement.
Why have it?: It can prevent further damage and delay the need for a joint replacement.
Synovectomy
What is it?: In this procedure, surgeons get rid of most or all of the synovium affected by inflammatory arthritis, either during an open surgery or by using arthroscopy.
For whom is it for?: People with minimal cartilage damage in the affected joint area who experience an overgrowth of the synovium around the joints.
Why have it?: It relieves pain and improves the mobility of joints, as well as helps reduce the dosage of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Arthrodesis (or Fusion)
What is it?: Surgeons use pins, plates, or rods to join two or more bones to make one continuous joint; with time the bones grow together and keep the joint in its desired position.
For whom is it for?: Patients with severe joint damage resulting from osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis.
Why have it?: The results of this procedure should last for a very long time; it allows patients to take part in physical activity with almost no limitations.
Total Joint Replacement (TJR) ( or Total Joint Arthroplasty)
What is it?: The damaged joint is substituted with an implant that imitates the motion of the natural joint and is made from metal, plastic and/or ceramic material.
For whom is it for?: People with severe joint pain, in the instance where other treatments did not work. It used to be reserved for older people, but now even younger people find it very effective.
Why have it?: This procedure has a solid, verified reputation for safety and effectiveness. It relieves pain and improves movement.
Minimally Invasive TJR
What is it?: In this procedure, surgeons replace a damaged joint using short incisions. Less muscle is cut and reattached than in a conventional TJR.
For whom is it for?: Active patients under 50.
Why have it?: Its benefits involve less pain and faster recovery than with a traditional joint replacement.
Joint Revision
What is it?: Surgery to remove a failed, infected, or worn-out implant and replace it with a new one.
For whom is it for?: People with a damaged artificial joint. Implants can last 20 years or longer, but those who get them as young adults may eventually need a revision.
Why have it?: Pain relief and improved mobility, strength, and coordination.
This guide provides only general information about possible procedures to aid any kind of arthritis. If you suffer from pain, reduced mobility in joints, and reduced quality of life because of your condition, you should make an appointment with a surgeon in our Orthopaedic Surgery Center in Raleigh to discuss possible treatment options.
Each patient and each condition is different, so make an appointment today in order to assess your condition and find out about all your options.
Orthopaedic Surgery Center, NC
Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center is an outpatient orthopedic surgery center which features four operating rooms and two procedure rooms with state-of-the-art technology.
The Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center’s board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons bring together many years of experience to manage and treat joint complications resulting from degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis, musculoskeletal disease or joint trauma.
To schedule an appointment with one of our surgeon at orthopedic surgery center, NC, please call 919-719-3070
Source: https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/joint-surgery/types/
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
