Lawrence & Memorial and our surgical staff have received national recognition for our expertise and success in Joint Replacement Surgery. We are proud to have this surgical procedure as part of our outstanding Surgery Center of Excellence.
Important Facts About Joint Replacement Surgery:
- Joint replacement will only be considered after nonsurgical alternatives fail to relieve pain and disability.
- During surgery the damaged parts of the joint are removed and artificial parts are inserted to replace them.
- Artificial joint components may be made of metal, cement or plastic. Bone cement may be used to anchor the components to bones, or cementless joints may be used in which the replacement and the bone are made to fit directly together.
- The recovery period following surgery depends on the person's general health and which joint was replaced.
- In general, people are encouraged to use the joint shortly after the operation. The doctor will recommend exercises to strengthen the joint.
Risks
- Risks of joint replacement surgery include blood clots, infection, loosening, dislocation, wear, breakage and impaired nerve function.
- Infection can occur at any time, even years after the surgery, and can be prevented or treated with antibiotics. Artificial joints can become infected when bacteria travel from the mouth, skin or elsewhere and get lodged in the new joint. If it is a deep infection, it may require further surgery and removal of the new joint. To help prevent this complication, tell your dentist immediately after you've had joint replacement surgery. You may need to take antibiotics before some dental procedures.
- Blood clots can be prevented with medicines, exercises, or special clothing or equipment. If you're at risk for blood clots after surgery, your surgeon will tell you how to prevent this complication.
- Loosening is common, and if it is severe, a second replacement may be needed. Dislocation occurs occasionally, and can often be corrected without further surgery. Wear occurs slowly and is rarely a reason for a second replacement. Breakage and impaired nerve function are rare.
Benefit: A potentially permanent replacement
Most older people can expect their total joint replacement to last a lifetime. It can provide years of pain-free living.