What is joint replacement?
Joint replacement is a surgical procedure to replace a joint damaged by injuries or arthritis with an artificial joint (prosthesis). The prosthesis functions just like your natural joint, giving you full range of motion and relieving chronic pain.
The hips and knees are the most common joints the Southern Oregon Orthopedics providers replace.
However, if you have severe damage in the joints of your wrist, ankle, or elbow, you might also be a candidate for joint replacement surgery.
Why would I need joint replacement?
A joint forms where the ends of two or more of your bones meet. Your joint also contains a number of soft tissues, including ligaments that keep your joint in place and protective cartilage that covers the ends of your bones and prevents them from rubbing together.
Your joints are flexible and allow you to move in a variety of ways. However, as you age, your joint structures can wear out and lead to pain and loss of your range of motion. In addition to aging, there are conditions that can affect the health and function of your joints, including:
- Fractures
- Deformities
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
When you can no longer find relief from chronic pain and inflammation with conservative therapies, the providers at Southern Oregon Orthopedics can determine if you’re a candidate for joint replacement surgery.
What can I expect during and after joint replacement surgery?
Depending on the location and severity of your condition, the Southern Oregon Orthopedics surgeons can use minimally invasive surgical techniques to access your damaged joint.
Your surgeon focuses on removing damaged cartilage and bone from your joint and replacing them with metal, ceramic, or plastic prosthetics. The artificial joint works like your natural joint, allowing you to move in a variety of ways without limitations or pain.
Soon after your surgery is complete, you can expect to start doing exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your joint. As you continue to recover, the on-site rehabilitation services focus on helping you heal and restoring function in your joint.
Many people enjoy long-term benefits of joint replacement surgery and live for many years with full joint function and no pain.
To find out if you’re a candidate for joint replacement surgery, call the nearest office or use the online tool to schedule a consultation at the Southern Oregon Orthopedics office nearest you.
