Joint Replacement Surgery: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Joint pain can make everyday activities difficult. Do you or someone you know is struggling with severe joint pain? Joint replacement surgery might be the solution. This surgery can help improve your quality of life by reducing pain and increasing mobility.

Let’s discuss what to expect during joint replacement surgery and how to prepare for it.

What is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Joint replacement surgery involves removing damaged parts of a joint. An orthopedic doctor replaces these damaged parts with artificial parts.

The hips and knees are the most common body parts that undergo this procedure. Orthopedic surgeons can also replace the shoulder, elbow, and ankle.

The different types of joint replacement include:

Total Joint Replacement

In total joint replacement, the doctor acts like a mechanic. They take off the whole old, bumpy joint and replace it with brand-new, smooth parts. These new parts act as artificial bones, made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. They work together so your hip or knee can bend and move without pain.

Partial Joint Replacement

The human knee is a complex joint, much like a well-oiled machine. There are times when only a specific section of the knee gets worn down. In a partial knee replacement, surgeons focus on the damaged area. It is like replacing the faulty gear instead of the entire machine.

Compared to a full knee replacement, this approach involves removing less bone. As a result, the body recovers quickly. This allows you to get back to your activities sooner.

Revision Joint Replacement

You need a revision joint replacement if a previous replacement fails or wears out. The surgeon removes the old artificial parts. Then, they replace them with new ones. This surgery can be more complex than the first one.

Who Needs It?

You might need joint replacement surgery if:

• You have severe joint pain that does not subside with medicine or other treatments
• Your joint pain affects your daily activities
• You have trouble moving the joint
• You have tried other treatments like physical therapy, but they did not help

How to Prepare for Surgery

Here are some steps to help you prepare for joint replacement surgery:

1. Talk to Your Doctor

First, discuss with your doctor if joint replacement surgery is right for you. Ask questions about the surgery, risks, benefits, and recovery time.

2. Pre-Surgery Tests

You will need to go through some tests before the surgery. These tests may include blood tests, X-rays, and an MRI.

These tests help the doctor understand your health condition better.

3. Stop Certain Medications

Your doctor might tell you to stop taking certain medications before surgery. Make sure to follow their advice to avoid complications.

4. Get Your Home Ready

Prepare your home for your return after surgery. Remove tripping hazards. Arrange for someone to help you with chores. Make sure you have a comfortable place to rest.

What to Expect During Surgery

The surgery takes a few hours. They will give you anesthesia before the surgery. This will help you not feel any pain during the surgery.

The surgeon will remove the damaged parts of the joint and replace them with artificial parts made up of metal, plastic, or ceramic.

Recovery After Surgery

Your recovery post-op will involve the following:

Hospital Stay

You will likely stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery. The medical team will monitor your recovery and help manage your pain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is essential after joint replacement surgery. A therapist will guide you through specific exercises. They will help strengthen your muscles and improve joint movement.

Follow-Up Visits

Follow-up visits with your doctor are crucial. They monitor your healing process and ensure everything is going well.

Finding the Best Joint Replacement Surgeon

You can look for the best orthopedic doctor near you by:

1. Ask for Recommendations

Start by asking your primary care doctor for endorsement. You can ask friends and family who have had joint replacement surgery. You can inquire about their experiences.

2. Check Qualifications

Look for a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. It means the surgeon has undergone special training. They passed exams in orthopedic surgery.

You can check their credentials on medical board websites.

3. Read Reviews

Read online reviews from other patients. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals can give you insights. They provide information about the skills and patient satisfaction.

4. Visit the Surgeon

Schedule a consultation with the surgeon. During the visit, ask questions about their experience. Inquire about how many joint replacement surgeries they have performed. Discuss their success rates.

5. Consider the Hospital

The quality of the hospital is important. Look for hospitals that have high ratings for joint replacement surgery. Good hospitals have better outcomes and fewer problems.

By taking these steps, you can find a skilled surgeon. This surgeon will help you get the best results.

Top-Notch Orthopedic Doctor in Little Rock, AR

If you are searching for the top orthopedic surgeon in Little Rock, AR, look no further than Dr. William F. Hefley. He is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, dedicated to treating various conditions affecting the shoulder, hip, and knee. He is an expert in joint replacement surgery and can get athletes back to their sport quickly and stronger than before their injury. With years of experience perfecting minimally invasive techniques for the knee and hip, he can restore your mobility and help you lead a pain-free life once again.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (800) 336-2412 or use our appointment request form.

Let us be your trusted healthcare partner in caring for your joints. We look forward to serving you!