Metro Doctor Speak: Joint Replacements

By Dr. Vishal Agrawal in Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement

Apr 30, 2018

Questions on Joint Replacements answered by  Dr. Vishal Agrawal, Senior Consultant – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacements and Dr. Nitin Srivastava, Senior Consultant – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacements

What is joint replacement?

Joint replacement is a surgical procedure where in the damaged bone ends are shaved off and then fixed by a metal cap on both sides of the joint. This allows friction-less, stable and painless movement of joint.

Is it safe to opt for joint replacement surgery?

These days joint replacement surgery has turned into a very common medical procedure undertaken by expert surgeons in technologically advanced set-up, therefore joint replacement surgery has become very safe. In India, on an average, about 1, 50,000 patients undergo hip replacement surgery and about 2, 50, 000 patients undergo knee replacement surgery annually, all with successful outcomes.

How long will a replacement joint lasts?

On an average a hip or knee replacement generally lasts for 25 to 30 years. The durability of the implant totally depends upon the activity habits of the patient.

Does age have to do anything with the joint replacement surgery?

Age is not a bar to this surgery. Average age is 40-75 years, but it can be done at any age if the patient needs it and doctors feels it.

What are the various options available for anesthesia?

Majority of patients opt for epidural anesthesia, wherein a thin plastic catheter is put in the back. The advantage of epidural anesthesia is that the pain killer medications can be given after the operation for 1-2 days when the pain is more, without any side effects and the patient can opt for physiotherapy without any pain. Epidural anesthesia simply numbs the legs while the patient remains awake.

How long will be the surgery?

The time duration generally depends on the level of the complexity in the surgery. Generally the surgery takes 1-2 hours.  

How much pain will I experience after the surgery?

During the first days following the surgery, the patient experience mild discomfort for which medications through catheter is given. This discomfort is nothing compared to the pain the person has experienced during Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Avascular Necrosis. Within the first two weeks following surgery, most of the pain will be dissolved completely.

Till how long do I have to use my walker or crutches?

There are certain patients who might require the use of a walking aid for longer period following after the surgery till the patients can walk independently.

Are there any complications after the surgery?

Apart from regular complications which can happen with any surgery, there are no such major complications. There are some small complications such as infection, blood clots, loosening of joints, ball of the new joint comes out of its socket, wear on joint replacements, nerve and blood vessel injury, deep vein  thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

We have trained and experienced surgeons with us so that complications don’t happen and even if they happen, they can be managed. We have world class modular operating rooms with laminar floor. 

There are chances that one might experience some minor problem, but nothing to worry about as these problems are treatable.

How will joint replacement help?

Joint replacement serves two primary purposes:

• Pain relief
• Improved functions of joint

Are there any other options other than joint replacement?

Yes, there are many options available for lesser grades of disease such as medicines, Physiotherapy, Intra Articular Injections, Surgeries, Osteotomies, etc.

When do I know, I need a joint replacement?

Joint replacement is offered by the doctor only in certain conditions:

• Severely deformed and damaged joints causing problem to patients
• Activities of daily living are hampered
• Medical management has failed and still the patient is in pain.

Metro Centre for Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement is an advance centre which boasts of the cutting edge technology in Joint Replacements backed by its most experienced and renowned joint replacement surgeons and rehabilitation facilities. We have successfully performed thousands of joint replacement surgeries with high success rates.

Email at: metro@metrohospitals.com or Call: +919910492867.