Joint endoprosthetics is a surgical procedure during which damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with artificial parts. These artificial parts are called an endoprosthesis. In case of total endoprosthetics, both parts of the joint are subject to replacement: the femur and the cavity.
The goals of the endoprosthetics operation are:- restore lost joint mobility
- joint function improvement
- elimination of joint pain
If you have limited mobility in the joint, accompanied by pain, which interferes with daily activities, medication does not work, then you are a candidate for endoprosthetics.
Arthrosis is the most common cause of such damage. However, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis, injuries, hip fractures and bone tumors can also lead to destruction of the hip joint, which necessitates an endoprosthetics operation.
Endoprosthetics is also used in patients with the following joint diseases:- Ankylosing spondylitis with a primary lesion of the joints of the limbs
- metabolic and circulatory disorders
- dysplasia (congenital deformities of the hip joint)
- osteoporosis
- overweight
- diabetes mellitus
- hormonal changes
- damage to the articular surfaces and ligamentous apparatus of the knee joint
Traditionally, hip replacement surgery lasts from 1 to 2 hours, the surgeon makes a small incision along the lateral surface of the thigh, removes affected bone and cartilage tissue, leaving healthy parts of the joint intact. Then the surgeon replaces the removed parts of the joint with artificial ones. The new joint is made of materials that allow the natural sliding of articular surfaces.
The implant design offers you updated stability and functionality. Hip replacement can relieve pain, improve hip joint function, and restore normal walking and other movements. Hip replacement surgery has a very high success rate and can offer an incredible improvement in the quality of life for patients. Your doctor may recommend it if you have hip and pain injuries that physical therapy, medications, and exercise do not help.
Replacing the hip joint, the surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone of the hip joint and replaces them with endoprostheses. This surgery is used for long-term pain relief and mobility.
Thus, considering all the features of hip replacement, we believe that patients should be aware of the mechanics of the hip joint and the possible treatment options available.
Modern prostheses installed inside the human body can serve 15-20 and even 30 years, and when the joint is worn, it can be replaced again. About one million hip and more than half a million knee endoprostheses are implanted in the world every year.
Currently, there are prostheses for the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow joints and even for the joints of the fingers.
Endoprostheses are made of metal, ceramics, especially durable polyethylene.
The requirements for the materials the joints are made of are strength, wear resistance, but they must be easily processed to achieve an accurate matching of prosthetic components.
For the production of endoprostheses currently used:- stainless steel alloys
- cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy
- titanium and its alloys
- alumina ceramic
- heavy-duty polyethylene
- cement
- cementless
The answer to this question is different for different people. Because the condition of each person is unique, doctor, and you must weigh the pros and cons.
A cemented endoprosthesis is more often used for older, less active people and with weakened bones (osteoporosis), and a cementless endoprosthesis is used for younger and more active people.
Preparing for surgery
Proper preparation for surgery - replacing the hip joint, will lead to better results and improved quality of life. Mental and emotional preparation, lifestyle modification, physical preparation, established relationships with the surgeon, support from family and friends will best prepare you for a successful result.
Understanding is a key step in preparing for surgery. Knowing all the aspects of the operation, do not stay fixated on the end result. The instructions given by doctors and nurses will help you. Taking an active position, knowledge of the stages of the upcoming surgical operation, will lead to a more positive attitude towards it.
Lifestyle Preparation
Prepare your body properly. Proper nutrition, enough rest, smoking cessation are the most important lifestyle changes.
Studies have shown that overweight leads to complications in surgical interventions. Consult a surgeon about diet, start the process of losing weight before and continue after surgery so that your recovery is successful.
Physical fitness
Depending on your specific type of surgery, the doctor will recommend a specific set of exercises. They will be aimed at improving your range of motion, strength and flexibility - to minimize stress after surgery. Consult your doctor about the most appropriate method.
Recovery after total hip replacement
The time for recovery, after a hip replacement surgery, is individual for each individual patient. During rehabilitation, certain rules should be followed. Many doctors will recommend that you begin work duties no earlier than 10-12 weeks. Time to go to work increases if during the performance of duties you need to stand, walk or perform physical activity for a long time. Typically, patients return to a “normal active life” 3-6 months after surgery. The time to recover full patients - increases to approximately 6-12 months.
Pain Relief
Pain management is an important part of the recovery process. Preoperative preparation regarding pain, discomfort, treatment - is necessary for comfortable recovery.
Doctors recommend a simple rule for patients: Rest, Ice, Elevated position of the limb and taking painkillers for hours! If the drug you are offered does not help, consult your doctor about replacing it.
Emotional Recovery and Support
One of the equally important aspects of recovery is the patient’s emotional state. Positive emotions and support from friends and families help speed up the recovery process.
TOTAL KNEE JOINT REPLACEMENT
Knee replacement surgery involves the partial or complete replacement of joint components with artificial implants to repair damaged support surfaces that cause pain. Total knee replacement implies the complete replacement of all components of the damaged joint. Partial knee replacement involves the implantation of one or two joint components while preserving the undamaged parts.
There are various designs for knee implants, all designed to restore stability and movement. Moreover, there are two main reasons for performing knee replacement surgery: 1) the elimination of pain and 2) the restoration of range of motion. With all possible surgical interventions, total knee replacement offers a significant improvement in quality of life. The procedure is highly successful.