Which patients are suitable for artificial joint replacement surgery?
Artificial joint replacement surgery is currently considered appropriate for many diseases causing joint pain and severe dysfunction, with the exception of acute infectious diseases, active tuberculosis and hematologic diseases (the age of the patient remains an important reference factor).
The main ones include.
1, joint deformity or joint destruction caused by osteoarthritis.
2, ankylosing spondylitis; loss of joint function due to rheumatoid arthritis.
3, severe localized comminuted fractures of the joint or traumatic osteoarthritis.
4, loss of function of the joint due to infection, including special infections.
5, advanced aseptic necrosis of the femoral head.
6, non-union of femoral neck fractures or delayed healing of femoral neck fractures in the elderly.
7, joint pain due to congenital dislocation of the hip joint.
8, bone tumors in and around the joint area.
Why do we need artificial joint replacement?
When there are structural changes in the joint due to various reasons, it is not advisable to use medication alone because it can only partially relieve the pain symptoms.
Instead, artificial joint replacement can achieve the following.
(1) Pain relief: It can relieve pain caused by various reasons; for example, pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, joint destruction, etc.
(2) Stabilize joints: stabilize joint instability caused by various reasons; for example: old joint dislocation, severe knee instability combined with osteoarthritis.
(3) Correction of deformity: to correct the deformity of the joint at the same time as the artificial joint surgery, so that the original deformity exists can be corrected and improved.
(4) Improvement of joint function: to restore the normal function of joints that were stiff and limited in movement.
Duration and efficacy of artificial joints
The joint has various functions such as walking, running, jumping and squatting, and it also carries the weight of your body. When a joint is diseased, the surface that was smooth like a mirror becomes rough or even defective, which results in pain, difficulty walking, limited movement, limping, and sometimes even easy movements. When the above disease progresses to a certain level and the joint is destroyed, surgery is required. An artificial joint is used to replace the original damaged joint to restore functions such as walking.
The greatest benefit of artificial joint surgery is that it eliminates joint pain, greatly improves the function of the joint, and increases the patient’s quality of life so that he or she can work and live well during their lifetime. More and more patients are now readily accepting the suggestion of prosthetic joint surgery. Successful prosthetic joint surgery allows you to live a pain-free life, and for joints that have been damaged, no other treatment can achieve the same results. Of course, the longevity of an artificial joint depends on many factors, such as the patient’s exercise level, the choice of prosthesis, the surgeon’s surgical technique, and his or her condition. The orthopaedic community is currently working with engineers and material scientists, among others, to continuously improve artificial joint materials, processes and surgical techniques.
Treatment after the artificial hip joint loosens
Once the artificial hip joint has loosened, revision surgery is required. There are special hip prostheses and surgical instruments designed for revision surgery. The revision surgery is more complex than the initial surgery and may require bone grafting, a different type of joint prosthesis or a special prosthesis. After revision surgery, the vast majority of patients will have a satisfactory outcome.
Protection after hip arthroplasty
After artificial hip replacement, you need to develop good habits of life and activities to maintain the stability of the joint, and learn some simple rehabilitation knowledge to carry out joint rehabilitation exercises. Pay attention to the prevention and control of infections, and actively treat infections such as tonsillitis, skin infections, ringworm, etc. After surgery, you can do exercises such as cycling, walking, dancing and swimming, but strenuous exercises such as running and jumping, as well as long-distance walking and climbing are not encouraged.