Like a
complicated machine, the
body is made up of many moving
parts—parts that can get damaged or
just wear out over time.
But, unlike a bulky piece of equipment,
when a hip, knee or other joint starts to
fail, we feel it—sometimes intensely.
At first, joint pain caused by an injury
or an ailment like arthritis can often
be managed. Medication, exercise, ice
packs, heat treatments or other remedies
can bring relief—at least for a while.
But for some people, the pain and
stiffness get so bad that walking,
climbing stairs, bathing or other
everyday activities are just too much.
At that point, it might be time to
consider total joint replacement. Each
year, more than 1 million people have
surgery to remove a damaged hip
or knee joint and replace it with an
artificial one.
For many, it’s the best way to reduce
pain, increase function and improve
quality of life.
How it’s done
An artificial joint, also called a
prosthesis, usually has two parts—a
durable plastic piece and a high-quality
metal component, often made of
stainless steel or alloys of cobalt, chrome
or titanium.
The damaged bones and cartilage are
surgically removed and the artificial parts
are carefully shaped to fit in their place.
An artificial joint often lasts for 10 to
15 years or more. Once installed, they
work much like a natural
joint. For example, a
knee will bend
back and forth
or a hip will
rotate,
but without the pain caused by the old
joint.
Knee and hip joints are the ones most
often replaced. But surgeons can also
install artificial shoulder, finger, ankle
and elbow joints.
Getting ready
The process of getting a new joint
can start long before you arrive at the
hospital. For example, before surgery it’s
a good idea to:
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Stop smoking, if you smoke.
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Consider losing weight, if you are
overweight or obese.
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Ask your doctor about exercises you can
do to make recovery easier. For instance,
you may need to strengthen your upper
body if you’ll need to use a walker or
crutches after your operation.
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Get your home ready for your recovery.
For example, stock up on easy-to-fix
foods so mealtime is simpler to
manage. Knee and hip patients should
remove rugs and other tripping
hazards. Shoulder patients may want
to put items on lower shelves so they
won’t need to reach
unnecessarily.
