Total Joint Replacement
Daniel R. Yanicko, Jr., M.D.
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Total Joint Replacement
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure that rebuilds a damaged arthritic joint by using artificial or prosthetic parts made of high strength metal and plastic.
Arthritis is inflammation of a joint (hip, knee or shoulder) that most often results from aging, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty crystalline disease, or trauma. Individual bones meet in joints, the ends of which are covered by articular hyaline cartilage, a shock absorber. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons connect across the joints, providing motion and stability as we move, whether walking, climbing running, or jumping.
Swelling, heat and morning stiffness are common signs of arthritis. Early on, joint inflammation can be controlled by medication and cortisone/hyaluronic acid injections. When cartilage wears out and bone grates against bone within the joint, pain keeps people from enjoying their daily activities.
At this point of end-stage arthritis, total joint replacement can literally put these people back on their feet without the need for medicine or canes. Sometimes only a small portion of the joint needs replaced called partial joint replacement (unicompartmental arthroplasty for the knee joint). Other partial joint replacement methods include hip joint resurfacing techniques; and metal cap procedures for less damaged shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, and finger / toe joints.
Artificial joints are made of high strength metals including alloys of cobalt-chrome, titanium, and tantalum. A matching plastic polyethylene or ceramic Biolox liner provides durability, wear resistance, and low friction. The primary benefits of total joint replacement are pain relief and increased motion and a return of joint function.
After surgery, most people are up and walking by the next day or that same day!
By two to three months recovery time, on the average, muscle strength returns and normal activities become increasingly possible. Newer surgical techniques are being developed to make this surgery less invasive and recovery time even less – a concept called minimally invasive joint replacement.
Daniel R. Yanicko, Jr., M.D., is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon with the Saint Joseph Hospital andSaint Joseph Orthopedic Associates, with an office located at 1868 Plaudit Place – Suite A Lexington, KY 40509-2429. For more information, contact Dr. Yanicko at the office at (859) 543-0002.