In order for you to better understand the basics of joint replacement surgery, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions from patients for your reference. 1.What is artificial joint replacement? During normal joint movement, the cartilage in the joint can effectively reduce the friction between the bone and the bone. When diseases such as osteoarthritis occur, the cartilage ages and deforms, and the friction between bone and bone increases, causing swelling and pain in the joint. 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 with little movement, 95% of patients can use the prosthesis for more than 15~20 years. Of course, the service life of artificial joints has a lot to do with the level of skill 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 for unilateral knee replacement is about 36,000 for imported joint prosthesis and 30,000 for unilateral hip replacement, while the hospitalization cost for unilateral knee replacement is about 25,000 for domestic joint prosthesis. 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 quantities in China. Domestic joints are made of foreign materials and processed domestically; imported joints are made of foreign materials and processed abroad. If we compare from the process of processing, the technology of imported joints is more precise. Domestic joints are less expensive than imported joints (the unit price of the prosthesis is nearly 20,000 yuan lower), so if your economic conditions are limited, domestic joints can fully meet the requirements. 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. The average surgery time for a single joint replacement is about 60-80 minutes, and the anesthesia preparation time is about 20 minutes. 8. How big is the wound for joint replacement surgery? The wound length is about 7-10cm for knee replacement and 12cm for hip replacement. 9.How long can I walk normally after joint replacement? On the first day after the arthroplasty, 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 the surgery, we encourage the patient to practice at the bedside and get out of bed to practice walking with a walker or crutches.