What To Expect During Joint Replacement

If you need a joint replacement, chances are you have a few questions. Our orthopedic surgeons have the answers you need. The orthopedic surgeons at Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center in St. Joseph, MO, offer a wide range of orthopedic surgery services, including joint replacement.

What You Need To Know About Joint Replacement

Joint replacement can help restore full function, flexibility, and mobility. Joint replacement can also reduce pain caused by degenerative bone diseases like arthritis. There are many factors that can cause you to need a joint replacement, including:

• Age-related conditions like osteoporosis
• Overuse injuries due to work-related stress or sports
• Degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Trauma to a joint from an injury or accident

Other less invasive treatments are often tried before joint replacement. Our orthopedic doctor may recommend:

• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory and pain medication
• Cortisone injections into your inflamed joint to reduce swelling
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation to increase flexibility, mobility, and range of motion

Joint replacement surgery is reserved for moderate to severe joint pain, injury, or loss of function. An orthopedic surgeon may recommend joint replacement if you are experiencing:

• Joint pain which limits walking and other activities
• Joint pain which is continuous, whether you are active or inactive
• Joint stiffness which limits movement
• Joint problems which are impacting your quality of life

During joint replacement surgery, the joint and other damaged areas around the joint are removed. A prosthetic joint is put in place of the original joint. Depending on which joint is replaced, additional parts including a socket or spacer may be placed. The area is sutured closed.

Recovery from a joint replacement can take weeks or months. During this time, your orthopedic surgeon will closely monitor your progress. Additional medical providers including physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists will also be part of your recovery team.

Want To Know More?

To find out more about what to expect during joint replacement surgery and how a joint replacement can help you, call the orthopedic surgeons at Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center in St. Joseph, MO. You can reach them in the office by calling (816) 233-9888, so call today.