Total Joint Replacement Surgery

What is Total Joint Replacement?

Total joint replacement surgery is a common surgical procedure in which certain parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is usually made from plastic, metal, or ceramic and is designed to allow the artificial joint to move with ease, comfort, and stability.

Total joint procedures such as this have been performed since the 1960s and have changed the lives of millions. Today, these joint procedures have been found to result in significant restoration of function, as well as have helped reduce joint stiffness and pain for millions of patients across the country. Total joint replacements of the hip, knee, and shoulder joints are some of the most common joint replacement surgeries performed at the Institute for Orthopaedic Surgery & Sport Medicine in Fort Myers.

Total Joint Replacement in Fort Myers

As we age, our joints can experience what is called natural wear-and-tear. Over the years, the cartilage and connective tissues in our joints can deteriorate. This deterioration can cause our joints to be stiff or inflamed. Without connective tissues or cartilage, the joint no longer has the cushioning or lubrication it needs to move and perform properly.

Every joint in the body has a unique and specific job. When a joint’s job cannot be performed safely or properly, total joint replacement surgery may be the necessary treatment. Total joint surgery is often considered when conservative treatments have failed. The most common surgically replaced joints are ball-and-socket joints and hinge joints.

Ball-and-socket joints can move in multiple directions because the ball-shaped end of one bone moves inside the cup-shaped end of another bone. These joints are more flexible than hinge joints. For example, the shoulder and the hip are ball-and-socket joints.

Hinge joints, however, can bend and straighten in only one direction, much like how the hinge on a door opens and closes. If there is too much pressure on the hinge joint, it can be difficult to perform simple tasks like bending and standing. The elbow and knee are examples of hinge joints. 

In a total knee replacement, the diseased or injured joint is replaced with an artificial joint. The artificial joint, or prosthesis, is then anchored into place to ensure stability and durability. Different joint doctors may have different methods of anchoring the prosthesis into place, but this anchoring is typically done so with bone cement or a medically-advanced material that allows bone tissue to grow into the prosthesis.

Hip replacement surgery involves replacing the femur (head of the thigh bone) and the acetabulum (hip socket). Typically, the artificial ball and stem is made of a very sturdy metal, and the artificial socket is made of a durable, medical-grade plastic called polyethylene. Hip replacements usually occur when a patient experiences a hip fracture or experience severe pain because of arthritis.

Shoulder replacement surgery usually involves using an artificial shoulder joint with either two or three parts, depending on what’s required for the patient’s unique needs. Some of these artificial joints include a prosthetic humerus, a prosthetic humeral head, and/or prosthetic glenoid. 

How to Prepare for Joint Replacement Surgery

In the weeks before your surgery, your joint specialist may ask you to follow some simple steps to ensure that you are properly prepared. Learn more about what steps you need to take before your surgery.

What To Do Before Joint Replacement Surgery

There are several things you must do before your surgery date, from getting lab tests to planning your rehabilitative care. Learn more about how to prepare for the day of your joint replacement surgery.

The Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, there are many things you must do before and after you go into the operating room. Learn more about what to expect on the day of joint replacement surgery.

When You Get Home

After surgery, there are many things you must do to ensure a safe and successful recovery. Learn more about what to do after your joint replacement surgery.

What to Expect

Surgery Expectations

Possible Complications of Surgery

What to Expect the Day of Surgery

Life After Surgery 

Schedule An Appointment Today

Don’t wait to get relief. Schedule an appointment with a joint specialist today!