What is arthroplasty?
Arthroplasty, or joint replacement surgery, restores joint function by replacing, resurfacing or realigning the joint's surface. The recommended type of arthroplasty depends on your joint’s condition and your specific needs.
You may benefit from arthroplasty if you have signs that your joint is damaged, such as severe joint pain, inflammation or stiffness. A replacement joint, sometimes called a prosthesis, moves like a normal, healthy joint, reducing arthritis-related pain and many other types of joint damage.
Types of arthroplasty
Orthopedic surgeons can repair or replace various joints, including knees, hips, shoulders, wrists, fingers and ankles, with knees and hips being the most commonly replaced.
At Baylor Scott & White, you may have access to advanced robotic-assisted joint replacements, allowing for a personalized fit and precise placement with minimal incision and tissue damage, which can lead to a longer-lasting joint replacement.
Types of arthroplasties available at Baylor Scott & White include:
Why might I need joint replacement surgery?
You may need a joint replacement if you have severe joint damage and your symptoms haven’t responded to nonsurgical treatments, such as pain medications and physical therapy.
Arthritis is the most common condition that leads to having a joint replaced. The most common form, osteoarthritis, occurs when cartilage, tendons and other parts of a joint gradually break down. Other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your joints), can also be treated with joint replacement.
You may also need a joint replacement if you’ve experienced joint damage related to:
- Avascular necrosis
- Breaks or other orthopedic traumas
- Chronic joint dislocations
- Damage to ligaments, muscles and tendons surrounding a joint
- Tumors
How to prepare for arthroplasty surgery
Joint replacement surgery is a major procedure and will require presurgical visits with your surgical team and, possibly, physical therapy and weight loss to help ensure your procedure is as successful as possible.
If you’re having knee or hip replacement surgery, you’ll attend a class to learn how to prepare yourself and your home for surgery and what to expect from the procedure.
The arthroplasty procedure
Each arthroplasty is different, based on the joint you’re having replaced. In general, each procedure involves your surgeon removing damaged bone and cartilage and inserting a prosthesis.
Joint replacements generally take one to two hours, depending on the type you have. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight, but some types of joint replacement allow you to go home the same day as the procedure.
What are the risks of joint replacement surgery?
For most people, the benefits of joint replacement surgery outweigh the risks. Though it’s a major surgery and there’s always a chance of complications, many find a big improvement in daily life, especially if they’ve been in pain for a long time.
Rare complications may include:
- Blood clots
- Infection at the joint or surgery site
- Nerve damage
- Blood vessel damage
- Issues with the prosthetic, like early wear or loosening
- Scar tissue formation
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Talk to your healthcare provider or surgeon about the risks of a joint replacement. They’ll help you decide if arthroplasty is right for you.
Recovery
Recovery time after joint replacement depends on which joint was replaced and your overall health; it usually takes at least a few months. Following your team’s instructions and physical therapy plan will help. You should also attend follow-up visits with your surgeon so they can monitor your progress and help you manage pain or other symptoms after surgery. Your surgeon will create a personalized recovery plan, but here are general guidelines:
- Ice your joint: Apply ice a few times a day for 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
- Elevate your joint: Keep it above heart level as often as possible using cushions or pillows.
- Keep your incision clean and covered: Follow your surgeon’s care instructions to prevent infections.
- Home exercises: Start exercises soon after surgery to strengthen muscles and prevent stiffness. Follow your surgeon's instructions.
- Physical therapy: Work with a physical therapist early for guidance on ways to start moving safely and to learn the exercises that you will continue for a few months.
- Avoid certain movements: Be cautious of movements that might cause dislocations, especially with hips and shoulders. Your surgeon or physical therapist will guide you on safe movements.