If you are considering joint replacement surgery you are not alone. Annually, 500,000 Americans make the decision to end their chronic joint pain by undergoing joint replacement surgery and are back enjoying their life and mobility.
In determining if joint replacement is right for you consider the following:
| You should have the surgery if: |
You should not have the surgery if: |
| > Joint pain or stiffness has become unbearable and negatively impacted your lifestyle |
> You are content with your mobility and joint pain has not overwhelmed your life |
| > You are in good general health, regardless of age |
> You suffer from multiple other medical conditions |
| > You can commit to a rehabilitative regimen before and after surgery |
> You cannot commit to a rehabilitative regimen before and after surgery |
| > You are looking for restored comfort and function in your joint, not a cure |
> You expect to be totally cured after surgery |
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Risks and Complications of Joint Replacement
All surgeries have certain complications associated with them.One must understand that with any major surgery requiring a general anesthetic there is a remote risk of stroke, pneumonia, heart attack, or even death. The risks specifically associated with joint replacement include:
Infection
There is a risk of infection with joint replacement. Sometimes these are superficial and respond to antibiotics, but occasionally the prosthesis must be removed and reinserted at a later surgery if the infection is severe. To prevent this from happening, we use special equipment and antibiotics for several days before and after the surgery.
Pulmonary Embolism
While this condition is rare, an unrecognized blood clot could break away from the vein and travel to the lungs. |
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Blood Clots
Surgery and immobility can cause blood to slow and pool in the legs, creating a blood clot. To prevent this complication, we advise that you take blood thinners after surgery,wear stockings/TED hose and a compression device, and move about out of bed as much as possible after surgery. Sometimes these clots are superficial and only require heat and time to resolve, but deep clots are more worrisome and may go to the lungs, so they must be treated with hospitalization and blood thinners.