Arthritis is a progressive condition that is marked by joint inflammation that causes stiffness and pain in your joints. A total joint replacement is a very common procedure for individuals whose joints are severely affected by arthritis. However, not everyone that suffers from arthritis is a candidate for this procedure. Luckily for you, the Duval Orthopedic Clinic is here to provide you with an overview of what a total joint replacement is and who is the best candidate for this procedure.
How does arthritis affect the joints?
There are over 100 different types of arthritis conditions. The most common form is osteoarthritis, a painful and degenerative disease that affects the fingers, knees, and hips. Arthritis of the hip involves the loss of the articular cartilage of the femoral head and acetabulum. Arthritis of the knee affects the femur, tibia, or the patella. In simpler terms, when arthritis affects the joints, there is a loss of space between the two ends of the bone. As a result, you may feel that your joints are stiff and have limited mobility. You may also feel a catching or clicking within your joints.
What can a total joint replacement do for arthritis?
A joint replacement involves cutting away the arthritic bone and replacing the damaged joint surface with artificial components. For a hip replacement, the arthritic ball and socket are replaced with a metal ball and a plastic socket. For a knee replacement, the spaces between the ends of the two bones are replaced with prosthesis and are generally made of metal and plastic that are designed to glide easily against each other.
Who is the best candidate for a Total Joint Replacement?
The best candidates for this procedure are people who have:
- Severe arthritis
- Poor quality of life due to their symptoms
- Medication and physical therapy has proven to be ineffective
- Good overall health (no smoking or poorly managed health conditions)
The Duval Orthopedic Clinic has a team of orthopedic specialists, nurses, and in-house physiotherapists that can help you with any problems pertaining to your joints. If you think you’re a candidate for a total joint replacement, please call us to book an appointment today.
514-500-7432