Total Joint Replacement Surgery in Central Alabama
Joint Replacement at OrthoSports
Joint replacement, also known as arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased joint is replaced with a prosthetic joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. This procedure aims to relieve pain, restore function, and improve mobility in individuals suffering from severe joint conditions. Find out all the crucial details you need about joint replacement from Orthosports Associates, Birmingham’s premier provider of orthopedic services.
Types of Arthritis
- OsteoarthritisThis is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. It often affects weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.
- Rheumatoid ArthritisThis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and eventual joint damage.
- Post-Traumatic ArthritisThis type of arthritis develops after an injury to the joint, such as a fracture or dislocation.
How Common is Total Joint Replacement?
Hip and knee replacement surgeries are among the most common orthopedic procedures performed worldwide. According to recent statistics:
- In the United States alone, more than 1 million hip and knee replacement surgeries are performed each year.
- The prevalence of these surgeries is increasing due to an aging population and the rising incidence of arthritis-related conditions.
Types of Hip Replacement Surgery
There are several approaches surgeons may take when performing hip replacement surgery:
- Anterior ApproachIn this approach, the surgeon accesses the hip joint from the front of the hip. This approach may result in faster recovery times and less muscle damage compared to other methods.
- Posterior ApproachThis involves accessing the hip joint from the back. It provides good access to the joint but may require a more extended recovery period.
- Lateral ApproachWith this approach, the surgeon enters the hip joint from the side. It provides good access to the joint while minimizing damage to muscles and tendons.
When is it Time to Have a Joint Replacement?
The decision to undergo joint replacement surgery is usually made after conservative treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications, have failed to provide adequate relief. Your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery if you
Experience:
- Persistent pain that limits your daily activities and affects your quality of life.
- Severe joint stiffness and loss of mobility.
- Chronic inflammation and swelling in the joint.
- Difficulty performing routine tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position.
It’s essential to discuss your symptoms and treatment options with your healthcare provider to determine if joint replacement surgery is the right choice for you. If you have any further questions or concerns about hip and knee arthroplasty, please don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider. They will provide personalized information and guidance based on your specific condition and needs.
OrthoSports Physicians who Perform Joint Replacement
Common Questions About Joint Replacement
Is there an age limit for hip replacement?
There are no absolute age or weight limits. The recommendation for hip replacement is based on a person’s pain and disability, and the operation has been done successfully at every age, from a teenager with juvenile arthritis to an elderly patient with degenerative arthritis.
Read: Total Hip Replacement →
What should I expect before a joint replacement?
Once joint replacement is the decision you and your doctor have reached, expect to spend several weeks preparing, physically as well as emotionally. Planning ahead can help make the surgery, and the weeks after it, go smoothly. In the healing process you are a partner: the success of your surgery depends on your commitment to your recovery.
Read: Before and After Total Joint Replacement →
What is recovery like?
In many ways life looks the way it did before, minus the pain, but recovery does take time. Your doctor will encourage you to start using the new joint as soon as possible. It can be challenging at times, and following the instructions you are given is what speeds things up.
Read: Before and After Total Joint Replacement →
What can I expect from a knee replacement?
Better motion is one of the goals, but getting full motion back is uncommon. A knee replacement will not let you do more than you could before you developed arthritis. With normal use the plastic spacer in every implant begins to wear, so most surgeons advise against running, jogging, jumping and other high-impact sport for the rest of your life after surgery. A small number of people still have pain afterwards.
Read: Total Knee Replacement →
Where can I see a joint replacement specialist?
Dr. Jerry V. Ambrosia, Dr. David Shane Buggay, Dr. Michael D. Clark, Dr. Yvonne Conway, and Dr. Matt Jackson treat joint replacement conditions at OrthoSports, and between them see patients at Trussville, UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham, Complete Health Pell City, UAB St. Vincent’s Blount, and UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair.
For advice about your own pain, schedule an appointment with one of our physicians. These answers are summarized from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the full guides are good background to talk over at your visit.
Orthopedic Services in Central Alabama
Orthosports Associates is the leading provider of orthopedic services in Central Alabama. We are a team of 19 physicians helping individuals attain the highest level of function through surgical and non-surgical joint treatments. We offer orthopedic services in our state-of-the-art facilities located across 11 locations in Greater Birmingham. While we do joint replacement surgery, there are other options than the procedure. We have to exhaust all conservative modalities like PT before the surgical intervention
Contact us to schedule a personal consultation.