What is Joint Replacement?
Joint replacement is an orthopedic procedure that removes either an arthritic or a damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial one. The new, artificial joint allows you to move again with little or no pain.
When to Consider Joint Replacement
- Pain keeps
you from everyday activities (getting in and out of bed, chairs, etc.)
- Pain keeps
you from your favorite activities
- You rely
on a cane/walker to move
- You
experience pain while you are resting
- Affected
area is swollen even after rest or medication
- Medicine
does not help
- Changes in
activity level do not help
The Surgery
Joint replacement surgeries vary depending on the person, the joint and how
badly it is damaged. Before surgery, you are given anesthesia so that you will
not feel any pain during surgery. Depending on the surgery, it can take your
orthopedic surgeon anywhere from two or more hours to complete your surgery.
From there, you will be moved to a recovery room until you are fully alert
after surgery. After that time, you will most likely encounter a short hospital
stay, ranging from 3-5 days or longer. During that time you will work with
physical therapists to regain motion of the joint. For more information about
physical therapy offered at Kaweah Delta Rehabilitation Hospital, click
HERE.
Considering Surgery
If you are considering joint replacement, speak to your primary care physician.
For a list of orthopedic surgeons call Kaweah Delta's Information Center at
(877) 529-3241.