To help you better understand the basics of joint replacement surgery, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions from our patients for your reference. We wish you a pleasant visit to the doctor and a speedy recovery. 1.What is artificial joint replacement surgery? During normal joint movement, the cartilage inside the joint can effectively reduce the friction between bones. When diseases such as osteoarthritis occur, the cartilage ages and deforms, and the friction between the bones increases, causing joint swelling, pain, and rotundity. Artificial joint replacement surgery involves removing aged cartilage and installing a metal prosthesis and a wear-resistant plastic spacer on the surface of the bone that has been trimmed. In this way, the friction between metal and plastic replaces the friction between bone and bone when the joint moves, so that the patient’s symptoms can be relieved, the joint function can be improved, and the quality of life can be improved. 2.How many years can artificial joints last? Artificial joints are made of metal and polymer plastics according to the shape of human joints. These materials are safe and reliable after strict experimental testing. In elderly people who do not exercise much, 90% of patients’ prosthesis can be used for more than 20 years. Of course, the service life of artificial joints has a lot to do with the technical level of doctors. Experienced doctors install the joints with the right size, accurate position and close fit, so the service life of the joints will naturally be longer. 3.How much is the cost of artificial joint replacement? Depending on the type of artificial joint used, the cost of hospitalization (including the cost of the artificial joint, surgery, medication and examination) is different. In our department, if an imported joint prosthesis is used, the hospitalization cost for unilateral knee replacement is about 50,000, and the hospitalization cost for unilateral hip replacement is about 50,000; if a domestically produced joint prosthesis is used, the hospitalization cost for unilateral hip replacement is about 30,000 If the patient has higher requirements for the quality of life after the operation or needs to use a special type of prosthesis due to the factors of his/her condition, the hospitalization cost will change accordingly. According to the regulations, the Shenzhen health insurance object, the use of domestic artificial joints reimbursement of 90% per set, imported joints reimbursement of 60%. 4.Domestic joints and imported joints, which one should I choose? Both types of artificial joints are products tested and approved by the relevant national departments, which have passed the quality test and are in large quantities in China. Domestic joints are made of foreign materials and processed domestically; imported joints are made of foreign materials and processed abroad. If you compare the processing technology, the imported joints are more precise. If your economic conditions allow, imported joints are a very good choice. 5.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 cardiopulmonary function, and formulate a surgical plan, which will take about 2-3 days. After the surgery, if you recover well, you can be discharged after 1-2 weeks to a rehabilitation center or to do functional exercises at home. Usually the hospitalization time for joint replacement surgery is about 7-10 days. 6. How long does a joint replacement surgery take? Our technology and experience have shortened the surgery time by a lot. Typical surgery time for a single joint replacement is about 40 minutes, with anesthesia preparation time of about 40 minutes. However, for complicated surgeries such as severe flexion and deformation of the joint or joint revision, the operation time will be longer. 7. How big is the wound for joint replacement surgery? The length of the wound for knee replacement is about 8-10cm and for hip replacement is about 8cm, and it may be extended by a few centimeters if the joint was severely deformed before. 8.How long does it take to walk normally after joint replacement? On the first day after the artificial joint replacement surgery, patients have to move their joints passively with the help of their family members or caregivers. After removing the wound drainage tube 2~3 days after surgery, we encourage patients to practice at the bedside and get out of bed to practice walking with a walker or crutches. Generally speaking, daily activities can be gradually resumed 2~3 months after surgery. Thereafter, with the continuation of functional exercises, the movement of the joints 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 surgical complications. (2) Stay positive Joint replacement surgery is a very mature procedure and our surgical team is well versed in all types of complex joint replacement and revision surgeries. Therefore, please relax and do not be overly nervous. (3) Ensure good health and avoid infection Infection can spread bacteria through your body during surgery and infect your newly replaced joints. Before hospitalization, you should pay attention to avoid gum abscess, urinary tract infection, athlete’s foot, pneumonia and influenza. (4) Treatment of chronic internal diseases If you suffer from hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease and other internal diseases, it is recommended that you go to the corresponding outpatient clinic for a review before hospitalization, and ask the doctor to adjust the medication for lowering blood pressure and lowering blood sugar for you, so that your blood pressure and blood sugar will be controlled at a satisfactory level, which will make the surgery safer. Patients with coronary artery disease should be reviewed at the cardiology clinic to assess heart function. If you take aspirin and antihypertensive 0 at home, you should stop the medication for 1 week before hospitalization, because these medications increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.