Joint Replacement Surgery 101
July 16, 2024
Moving parts wear out, but that doesn’t mean you should stop moving! At Orthopaedic Associates, our team is skilled in hip, knee, and shoulder total joint replacement surgeries and recovery – getting you back to doing all the activities in life you enjoy. But we also understand that a surgery can sound daunting. In this blog we will discuss what to expect, the benefits of joint replacement, common concerns, and recovery tips so that you can feel prepared and confident in surgery if needed.
First, Let’s Talk About What To Expect Before, During, And After Surgery.
Before
Before it is even decided if surgery is the right treatment for your joint health, you will have a consultation and evaluation with your physician. If surgery is necessary, we will discuss preoperative preparations including tests and possible adjustments to medications and lifestyle.
You will also receive a more detailed packet of information detailing what to bring the day of surgery and tips for checking in. On the day of your surgery you will be seen by a registered nurse to take your vital signs and an anesthesia provider to answer questions. Your surgeon will also go over the procedure again with you.
During
An IV will be placed to deliver medications and fluids during surgery and you will be guided to the operation room. The surgery typically takes about two hours to complete. On a broad scale, the surgery includes replacing the damaged hip, knee, or shoulder joint surface with an artificial implant in order to restore function.
After
After surgery you will be taken to the same room your pre-op was done in. There you will meet back up with the friend or family member who brought you to your appointment. You may feel some pain but our pain management team uses every reasonable measure to control it and make you comfortable.
You will be discharged typically 3-4 hours after surgery. A nurse will call the following day to see how you are doing. You will also work with your physician and our physical and occupational therapy teams on a recovery plan.
Benefits Of Joint Replacement Surgery
After recovery, the benefits are extravagant. Patients experience significant improvement in joint function and pain relief, allowing them to resume activities they participated in previous to when pain started. This leads to an enhanced quality of life and returning to daily movements.
Frequent Concerns
Having surgery is stress-inducing and comes with concerns. Patients commonly ask about the longevity of the implant. With advances in technology, materials, and surgical techniques, joint replacements can often last a lifetime. However, this can vary depending on the type of joint replaced and individual patient lifestyles.
You may also have concerns regarding risks or complications during and after surgery. While there are complications such as blood clots or infection, our team closely monitors and manages these scenarios if they were to occur – though very unlikely. They will also educate you on signs and symptoms to watch for at home and when to come in if you have concerns.
Optimize Your Recovery
For the most successful recovery, be sure to follow rehabilitation guidelines created by your surgeon, therapist, and others on your healthcare team. The process is different for everyone, however the majority of hip and knee patients walk assisted by a walker for 2-3 weeks then move on to a cane until they feel stable enough to walk independently. There may also be some swelling for up to 3-4 months after surgery. Shoulder patients typically wear a sling full time for 4 weeks, gradually weaning from it from weeks 5-12.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will also help in recovery and keep you more active following surgery in the long term. Patients also receive additional information regarding recovery after surgery, providing the resources and confidence to continue on living their life in motion.
While not always necessary to treat joint pain, surgery can be transformative if deemed as the best option. Relieving pain, restoring mobility, and enhancing quality of life, it gets you back doing the daily movements that are most important to you. Check back for our upcoming blog to hear about patient success stories!