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Helping you make an important decision regarding total joint replacement surgery
If your joint pain is so severe that pain medication does not help and your loss of function undermines your quality of life, total joint replacement surgery may be the right choice for you.
Until recently, replacing a worn-out hip or knee meant a long and painful recovery process. However, newer surgical techniques and improved implants are getting people on their feet, and back to their daily activities within weeks after joint replacement.
In fact, more than 638,000 hip or knee replacement surgeries were performed during 2003, in the US.* Joint replacement can relieve pain and enable individuals to live fuller, more active lives.
Once you and your orthopedic surgeon have decided that you are a good candidate for joint replacement surgery, you'll need several weeks to prepare yourself – both physically and psychologically.
By planning ahead, you can get a head start on learning about your surgery. You can begin the process by taking a look through this Web site.
Remember, the decisions you make and the action you take before your surgery can be every bit as important as the procedure itself in ensuring a healthy and speedy recovery!
* Source: National Center for Health Statistics; Centers for Disease Control and Preventions, 2003 National Hospital Discharge Survey.
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Understand the procedure
Talk to your doctor. Ask questions! Learn what to expect before, during and after surgery.
- Ask about the process of being admitted to the hospital.
- Find out what type of anesthesia you might need, what kind of implant will be used, and how long you are expected to be in the hospital.
- What about rehabilitation and pain management?
The more you know, the better you will be able to face the challenges of joint replacement, and the changes it will make in your life. Don’t ever hesitate to ask questions, voice concerns, or speak up when you do not understand something. |
What is a joint?
A joint is formed from the ends of 2 or more bones that are connected by thick tissue. For example, a knee joint is formed by a connection of the lower leg bone known as the shin bone, or tibia, and the thighbone, (called the femur.)
The hip is a ball and socket joint, formed by the upper end of the femur, the ball, and a part of the pelvis, called the socket (known as the acetabulum).
The ends of a joint are covered with a smooth layer called cartilage which protects the normal joint providing nearly friction-free and pain-free movement. However, when the cartilage is damaged or diseased by arthritis, joints become stiff and painful. |
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What is total joint replacement?
An arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint called a prosthesis, also commonly known as an implant.
Why is total joint replacement necessary?
The primary goal is to relieve the pain in the joint caused by the damage done to the cartilage. Total joint replacement will be considered when the time is right for you, and only if other treatment options will not relieve your pain and disability.
What are the benefits of total joint replacement?
The #1 benefit of total joint replacement surgery is that you will be able to return to a functional and active lifestyle!
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Did You Know?
• Total hip and knee replacements are some of the most successful surgeries
• Most implanted knee and hip joints last 15-20 years
• Less than 10% of hip and knee implants will ever need correction
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