Arthroplasty - Joint replacement surgery

Joint pain is not an easy situation to live with and can seriously affect a person’s lifestyle, as the simplest things become a nuisance and cause discomfort.

For many individuals, when conservative treatments fail to provide relief, joint replacement surgery — known as arthroplasty — can offer a new lease on life.

Dr. Muthana Sartawi specializes in this transformative procedure, which aims to restore mobility and alleviate pain. This blog explores what arthroplasty entails, the types of methods available, the benefits, and the recovery process.

What is Arthroplasty?

Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that is considered when a damaged joint needs to be either repaired, replaced, or reconstructed.

Mainly it is used in the weight-bearing joints such as hips and knees; it can also be used for shoulders, elbows, and ankles.

The primary purpose of arthroplasty is to eradicate pain, enhance the working of a joint, and enrich the quality of one’s life.

Types of Arthroplasty

Total Joint Replacement: This is the most common procedure in arthroplasty. During this procedure, the sides of the joint are replaced. For example, in total knee replacement, the femoral (thigh bone) and tibial (shin bone) components are replaced with artificial parts.

Partial Joint Replacement: In certain cases, only a part of the joint is replaced. For instance, a partial knee replacement may involve replacing only the damaged knee compartment while preserving the healthy bone and cartilage.

Revision Arthroplasty: This procedure replaces or repairs a previously implanted joint that has failed due to wear, infection, or other complications. Revision surgeries are often more complex and may require additional expertise.

Arthroscopic Surgery: This is not a conventional replacement. Arthroscopy is an introduction to minimally invasive surgery that allows the surgeon to correct defective cartilage and remove loose fragments within the joint, which would restore function and alleviate pain.

Candidates for Arthroplasty

Candidates for joint replacement surgery typically include individuals who experience:

• Arthritic joint pain  because of conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis, that limits daily activities.
• Stiffness that affects mobility.
• Ineffective relief from conservative treatments, such as medication and physical therapy.

Before considering surgery, Dr. Muthana Sartawi will thoroughly evaluate each patient’s best course of action, including physical examinations and imaging studies.

Benefits of Arthroplasty

Arthroplasty offers numerous advantages, including:

Relief from Pain: This is one of the most exciting benefits – which would greatly reduce or even eradicate joint-related pain that would enable a patient to continue their spirited activities.

Improved Mobility: By restoring function to the joint, patients often regain their ability to walk, climb stairs, and participate in recreational activities.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients who experience a reduction in pain and increased mobility are typically better. Their overall quality-of-life is enhanced both physically and mentally.

Long-lasting Results: Most joint replacements are designed to last many years, with many patients enjoying significant improvements for a decade or more.

The Arthroplasty Procedure

1- Preoperative Assessment: It is an examination conducted prior to surgery with patients, and in this line of examination, their health status is evaluated, any risk is noticed, and expectations are communicated.

2- Anesthesia:  Arthroplasty can be carried out under general or regional anesthesia. Depending on the patient’s health and the condition that needs to be operated upon, it will be determined which type of anesthesia is appropriate to best fit the patient’s needs.

3- Surgical Procedure: This encompasses an incision in the joint to be operated on, followed by the complete excision of any damaged cartilage and bone. Artificial joint parts will be inserted. Depending on the complexity, the procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours.

4- Closing the Incision: The incision is closed post-joint replacement.

Recovery Process

The recovery process is important to achieve optimal results. Here’s what patients can generally expect:

Immediate Postoperative Care: Patients will be monitored in recovery several hours after surgery. Pain control starts and most contain prescription medications that are utilized for pain control.

Physical Therapy: Early physical therapy starts the same day or next morning after the surgery in most cases. Exercises continue to gain the range of motion, strength, and mobility.

Home Recovery: Most patients can be discharged within 2-3 days. There will be regular visits to Dr. Muthana Sartawi to monitor the progress or address any issues.

Long-Term Rehabilitation: Patients may need several weeks up to months of additional physical therapy to strengthen, flex, and work on improving the overall joint function.

Risks and Considerations

While arthroplasty is generally safe, like all surgeries, it carries some risks, including:

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Blood clots
• Implant failure or dislocation.
• Nerve or blood vessel damage.

To minimize these risks, patients should carefully follow preoperative and postoperative instructions, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and attend all follow-up appointments.

For persons suffering with the debilitating and chronic pain that arthritis creates, arthroplasty may become a life-changing procedure. The advances within the technological domain of surgery may even result in more effective results and fast recovery times. 

If you are want to have joint replacement surgery, consult Dr. Muthana Sartawi for a personalized evaluation and tailore treatment plan according to your needs.

Dr. Muthana Sartawi specializes in arthroplasty procedures, including knee and hip replacements, and offers innovative same – day knee replacement surgery. 

This approach allows patients to undergo the procedure and return home on the same day, enhancing convenience and reducing recovery time.

Whether it’s an arthroplasty knee or an arthroplasty hip, care and advanced surgical techniques by Dr. Muthana Sartawi are all pointed toward quality of life.

Understanding the in-and-out of arthroplasty may make life changing in a pain-free manner possible. Whether returning to your favorite activities or simply enjoying everyday life, joint replacement surgery may provide the relief you’ve been seeking.

Book an appointment now.