The junction of two bones in the human skeleton is referred to as the joint. Joint replacement surgery is a process that assists patients in reducing chronic joint pain and enhancing joint mobility. Joint replacement surgery might be considered if there is persistent joint pain and restricted range of motion. It can assist in improving a person’s quality of life and enable them to resume their favourite activities without experiencing any pain.

The symptoms and the diseased joint will determine which form of joint replacement surgery is best for the patient. In a joint replacement procedure, defective bone and lining components are removed. It is then replaced with new implants made of metal, plastic, or carbon that allow for the restoration of joint mobility. There are different types of joint replacement surgeries, and important among them are listed below:

Hip Joint Surgery

The natural articulating surfaces of the hip joint are replaced during a hip replacement operation (arthroplasty). It is done with prosthetic components that allow the hip to move and function normally again. The acetabulum, acetabular labrum, and femoral head are the three components that make up the hip joint.

During surgery, all three types were replaced with prosthetic counterparts that look like the real ones. An incision is made across the anterior side of the hip joint, which is where the femoral head and socket are located. It is done in order to do hip replacement surgery using the anterior approach.

Here, the front side of the body provides access to all three components. Only if it is adjacent to the hip joint the access to the hip may be possible in this joint.

Knee Replacement

A knee replacement is regarded as one of the most complex surgery. It is considered to be one of the body’s most complicated joints. Knee arthroplasty is another name for a knee replacement. Before deciding to do surgery, the doctor will evaluate your knee’s range of motion, stability, and strength.

The type of knee replacement surgery that you need depends on the injured section of the knee. This may resemble several procedures, such as ACL surgery or a complete knee replacement. The orthopaedic surgeon can take the actions for the operation once it is determined whether the surgery will be partial or complete.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

The ball and socket are switched around, and artificial components are used in their place in shoulder replacement surgery. The artificial socket is built at the top of the upper arm bone, and the prosthetic ball is attached to the shoulder blade. The ball and socket are positioned in the opposite direction. Now the shoulder can use the muscles at the top of the arm rather than the damaged muscles. This helps to replace the shoulder joint and restores its function and pain-free motion.

Total Elbow Replacement

In a total elbow replacement procedure, the ulna and humerus damaged sections are replaced with artificial ones. Artificial elbow joint is made up of metal and plastic hinge. The stems fit into the bone’s canal, a hollow area. Elbow replacements can be done in a variety of ways, and the parts come in various sizes.

Additionally, there are partial elbow replacements that can be utilised in a number of specific circumstances. What kind of elbow replacement is ideal for you can be decided after talking with your doctor.

Wrist Replacement

Surgery to remove a damaged wrist joint and replace it with an artificial joint is known as a wrist replacement. The wrist joint is also known as radiocarpal joint. Your wrist joint enables you to rotate, bend, and straighten your hand. It moves when you wave, wash your hair, type, pick something up, and engage in many other daily activities.

A polyethylene (plastic) spacer is commonly used between the metal prosthesis and the replacement component. It is designed to function like a typical, healthy wrist. The complicated joint in your wrist is made up of numerous tiny bones. It joins your hand to your forearm (the lower half of your arm, from your elbow to your hand).

Ankle Replacement

The ankle is another joint that can be replaced. An artificial implant replaces a broken ankle joint during an ankle replacement procedure. The ankle joint is where your shinbone (tibia) sits on top of the talus bone in your foot. Due to the deterioration of the cartilage covering the bone’s surfaces, arthritis frequently affects this joint.

This joint suffers from discomfort, edoema, and inflammation as a result of wear and tear. When the pain becomes unbearable, then replacement surgery can be the best option to reduce it.

Total Joint Replacement Surgery 

It is a procedure that involves removing the whole or part of the damaged joint to replace it with artificial implants. It gives overall pain relief in your whole body and improves mobility. This type of surgery is usually done for a dysfunctional or arthritic joint surface, and it is usually hip, knee or shoulder.

It is performed mostly as a minimally invasive procedure and done using smaller incisions. These surgeries have a shorter stay in the hospital and shorter recovery time than ordinary replacement procedures.

Joint Replacement Surgeries in India

Joint replacement is regarded as one of the most common surgeries that attract patients not only from India but from all over the world. You can find the world’s best orthopedic surgeon in India. The above-given types of surgery are the common surgeries performed in India. The lower cost of surgery, along with the high success rate, has made India one of the favourable destinations for joint replacement.

The average life of an implant is between 15-20 years, and those who got a replacement at a young age may need a second replacement known as revision.

Bottom Line

Joint replacement surgeries have become a new ray of hope for people who suffer from joint injuries and pain. Medical and technological advancements are making these procedures and surgeries more effective than ever. If you have any of these joint pain issues, then it is the right time to consult a doctor so that you can get treatment at the right time.