Joint Replacement Surgery in India

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Joint replacement surgery, performed by orthopaedic surgeons, involves the replacement of a damaged joint with a new artificial part. These joints, where two or more bones meet, are commonly found in areas such as the knee, hip, and shoulder. In some cases, only the damaged portions of the joint are replaced or repaired. The primary goal of this surgery is to enhance the quality of life, alleviating pain and improving mobility. Hips and knees are the most frequently replaced joints, but shoulders, fingers, ankles, and elbows can also be candidates for replacement.

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What Can Happen to Joints?

Joints can sustain damage due to various factors, including arthritis, injuries, or simply the effects of aging. Over time, arthritis and wear and tear can lead to joint deterioration, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Additionally, internal damage within the joint can disrupt blood flow, affecting the health, growth, and self-repair capabilities of bones.

What Is a New Joint Like?

The new joint, referred to as a prosthesis, can be constructed from materials such as metal, plastic, or ceramic. It may be cemented in place or left uncemented, allowing natural bone growth into the prosthesis. Sometimes, a combination of these methods is employed to ensure the new joint remains secure. Your doctor will discuss these options with you to determine the most suitable choice.

When Should Joint Replacement Be Considered?

Joint replacement surgery becomes a consideration when alternative treatments, like braces, physical therapy, medications, exercise, and weight loss, fail to alleviate pain and restore mobility. It’s particularly relevant if you experience constant pain or significant difficulty in performing daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or maintaining personal hygiene.

What Happens During Surgery?

The surgical process begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure you’re pain-free during the procedure. Anesthesia may be regional, targeting a specific part of your body, or general, rendering your entire body unconscious. The surgical team then replaces the damaged joint with an artificial one. The duration of the surgery varies depending on the extent of joint damage and the specific surgical approach.

What Happens After Surgery?

Several factors influence your post-surgery return to your daily routine, including the type of surgery, your medical history, and your support system at home. You might experience temporary discomfort in the new joint due to weakened muscles from underuse, but this can be managed with medications and typically resolves in a few weeks or months. Physical therapy is instrumental in strengthening the muscles surrounding the new joint and restoring joint mobility. As you gradually use your new joint and regain muscle strength, pain will subside, flexibility will improve, and your range of motion will increase.

Are There Risks Associated With Joint Replacement?

As with any surgery, there are inherent risks in joint replacement surgery. The specific risks depend on your overall health, the condition of your joints prior to surgery, and the type of procedure. It is essential to follow your doctor’s guidance regarding diet, medication, and exercise after surgery. While joint replacement is generally successful, it’s important to be aware of possible complications such as infection, blood clots, prosthesis loosening, and nerve or blood vessel injuries.

Research Supported by NIH/NIAMS

Researchers supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are dedicated to advancing joint replacement surgery. They’re evaluating different replacement joints to improve movement and flexibility. Additionally, they’re exploring novel joint materials and surgical techniques to reduce the body’s inflammatory response to artificial joint components and understand why certain prostheses are more successful than others.

What are some ongoing research efforts in joint replacement?

Researchers are striving to enhance joint replacement materials and techniques, reduce inflammatory responses, and investigate factors influencing treatment decisions, recovery, and overall well-being. They’re also studying arthritis in various forms, the most common reason for joint replacement surgery, to better understand these conditions and develop treatments to slow or halt joint damage.

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Where can I find more information on research and clinical trials?

To explore research and clinical trials, you can visit the NIH Clinical Research Trials and You website, ClinicalTrials.gov for up-to-date trial information, NIH RePORTER to access research projects and publications, and PubMed to search millions of medical citations and abstracts.

Understanding joint replacement surgery and staying informed about ongoing research can empower you and your family to make informed decisions and ensure a successful recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does the recovery process typically take after joint replacement surgery?

The duration of recovery varies from person to person and depends on factors like the type of surgery, individual health, and the joint that was replaced. Generally, it may take several weeks to months for complete recovery.

2. Will I be able to return to my daily activities and exercise after joint replacement surgery?

Yes, after recovery and with the guidance of your medical team, you can gradually resume daily activities and even engage in low-impact exercises to improve joint mobility and strength.

3. Are there age restrictions for joint replacement surgery?

There is no strict age limit for joint replacement surgery. It is typically recommended based on the patient’s health and need. Many older adults undergo successful joint replacements, but younger individuals may also need the procedure in certain cases.

4. What can I expect in terms of pain management after joint replacement surgery?

Your doctor will provide pain management options to help you during the initial recovery phase. Over time, as your muscles strengthen and healing progresses, pain should gradually diminish.

5. Can I choose the type of materials used for my joint replacement, such as metal or ceramic?

Your surgeon will discuss the most suitable materials for your specific case. The choice of materials often depends on factors like the joint being replaced, your lifestyle, and your individual needs.

6. Are there alternative treatments to joint replacement surgery if I’m concerned about the procedure?

Alternative treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes, are considered before recommending joint replacement. If these alternatives do not provide sufficient relief, surgery may be necessary. It’s essential to discuss your concerns and options with your healthcare team.

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

Number of beds:  600
ICU Beds:                185
Airport Distance: 19 Km

Brief About:

• Artemis Hospital, established in 2007, spread across 9 acres, is a 600plus bed; state-of-the-art multi-speciality hospital located in Gurgaon, India.
• Artemis Hospital is the first JCI and NABH accredited hospital in Gurgaon.
• Designed as one of the most advanced hospitals in India, Artemis provides a depth of expertise in the spectrum of advanced medical & surgical interventions, a comprehensive mix of inpatient and outpatient services.

Dr. IPS Oberoi

Specialist:      Orthopedics/Joint Replacement Surgeon
Experience:   25+ years of experience
Hospital:        Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

Brief About:

• I.P.S Oberoi is one of the best knee replacement, hip replacement and arthroscopic surgeons in India.
• He Has done more than 7000 joint replacements with 97% success rates.
• He is an expert in Primary and Revision Joint replacement surgeries of Knee, Hip, Shoulder, Elbow and Ankle joints.