1.What is artificial joint replacement? During normal joint movement, the cartilage in the joint can effectively reduce the friction between bone and bone. When diseases such as osteoarthritis occur, the cartilage ages and deforms, and the friction between bone and bone increases, causing joint swelling, pain, and rotundity. Artificial joint replacement involves removing the aging cartilage and installing a metal prosthesis and a wear-resistant plastic spacer on the surface of the repaired bone. In this way, the friction between metal and plastic replaces the friction between bone and bone when the joint moves, thus relieving the patient’s symptoms, improving the function of the joint and improving the quality of life. 2.How many years can artificial joints last? Artificial joints are made of metal and polymer plastic, following the shape of human joints. These materials have undergone strict experimental testing and are safe and reliable. In elderly people who do not move much, they can generally be used for more than 15~20 years. Of course, the service life of artificial joints has a lot to do with the skill level of the doctor. Experienced doctors install joints of the right size, accurate position and tight fit, and the joints will naturally last longer. 3.What diseases can be treated by artificial joint replacement? (1) joint deformity or joint destruction caused by degenerative osteoarthrosis; (2) congenital hip dislocation secondary to severe osteoarthritis; (3) advanced aseptic necrosis of the femoral head; (4) loss of joint function caused by rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis; (5) elderly femoral neck fracture or non-union of femoral neck fracture. 4.What is the approximate cost of artificial joint replacement surgery? Depending on the type of artificial joint used, the cost of hospitalization (including the cost of the artificial joint, surgery, medication and examination, etc.) varies. In our department, the hospitalization cost is about 45,000 for unilateral knee replacement and 50,000 for unilateral hip replacement if an imported joint prosthesis is used, and about 25,000 for unilateral knee replacement if a domestic joint prosthesis is used. If the patient requires a higher quality of life after surgery or requires a special type of prosthesis due to the factors of the condition, the hospitalization cost will change accordingly. According to the regulations, Beijing medical insurance recipients are reimbursed 5,000 to 6,000 RMB for the use of 1 artificial joint. In the case of double joint replacement, the 2nd artificial joint needs to be fully paid by the patient. 5.Which one should I choose, domestic or imported joints? Both types of artificial joints are tested and approved by the relevant national departments, and are used in large numbers in China. Domestic joints are less expensive than imported joints, so if you have limited financial resources, domestic joints can meet your needs. If your economic conditions allow, imported joints are a very good choice. 6.How many days do I have to stay in the hospital for the surgery? After hospitalization, we will first check your physical condition, evaluate your heart and lung function, and make a surgical plan, which will take about 2~3 days. After surgery, if you recover well, you can be discharged to a rehabilitation center or to do functional exercises at home after 1 week. The usual length of stay for joint replacement surgery is 7 to 10 days. 7. How long does joint replacement surgery take approximately? Our technology and experience have shortened the surgery time considerably. A typical surgery for a single joint replacement takes about 60 to 90 minutes, with anesthesia preparation taking about 30 minutes. However, in the case of complex surgery such as severe flexion and deformation of the joint and joint revision, the surgery time will be extended. 8.How long can I walk normally after joint replacement? On the first day after the artificial joint replacement, the patient has to move the joint passively with the help of family members or caregivers. After the wound drainage tube is removed 2~3 days after surgery, we encourage the patient to practice at the bedside and get out of bed to practice walking with a walker or crutches. In general, daily activities can be gradually resumed 2~3 months after surgery. Thereafter, with the continuation of functional exercises, the movement of the joint will become better and better. 9.What should I do before I am hospitalized? (1) Stop smoking This will help you reduce the risk of complications from surgery. (2) Stay positive. Joint replacement surgery is a very mature procedure and our surgical team is highly skilled in all types of complex joint replacement and revision surgery. So please relax and don’t be overly stressed. (3) Good health and avoid infection Infection can spread through your body during surgery and infect your newly replaced joint, so it is important to avoid gum abscesses, urinary tract infections, ringworm, pneumonia and influenza before hospitalization. (4) Treatment of medical chronic diseases If you suffer from medical diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, etc., we recommend that you go to the appropriate outpatient clinic for a review before hospitalization and ask your doctor to adjust your blood pressure and blood glucose lowering medications so that your blood pressure and blood glucose are controlled at a satisfactory level, which will make the surgery safer. Patients with coronary artery disease are reviewed at the outpatient cardiology clinic to assess heart function. If you take aspirin and blood pressure lowering 0 at home, you should stop taking them for 1 week before hospitalization because they increase the risk of surgical bleeding.