Joint replacement surgery involves replacing damaged parts of a joint and replacing them with new, artificial parts. The goal is to relieve pain and inflammation in the joint and restore function and mobility.
Joint replacement surgery is a non-conventional treatment method, which is why it is often recommended only after conventional treatment methods have failed to work. Joint replacement is performed on all types of joints including knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, fingers, and ankles.
If you’re wondering what transpires before, during, and after a joint replacement procedure, here’s what to expect.
Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery
The weeks following joint replacement surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will brief you on the upcoming procedure and help you prepare for it. At this time, your doctor will order tests to check your overall health and whether you are in good condition to go through surgery. Some examples of these tests include:
- Blood test
- Coagulation test
- Cardiac test
- Urinalysis
This is the time to ask your doctor questions about the procedure. If you have any concerns, you can discuss them, and more importantly, let your surgeon know of all medications you are currently taking.
Your surgeon may ask you to refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol leading up to your surgery. You may also be instructed to eat healthy. Patients who follow doctor orders before joint replacement surgery have better outcomes.
Before surgery, prepare your home for recovery – install assistive devices and remove clutter, making everything you need for recovery within easy reach. This also includes having someone around to take care of you immediately following your procedure, arranging a ride to and from surgery, and preparing your house and family for what you will need after the procedure.
During Surgery
The duration of the surgery depends on the type of joint replacement procedure you are getting done. Traditional total joint replacement can take hours to perform, whereas minimally-invasive robotic-assisted joint replacement can take less time to complete. Your procedure may be performed at a hospital or at an outpatient clinic, depending on the type of procedure you are getting done and any risk factors that may require you to stay at the hospital after your surgery. Your surgeon will explain all of these factors during your pre-surgery consultations.
After Joint Replacement Surgery
After surgery, you will require rest as your body heals. Depending on the type of surgery you get done, your recovery period after joint replacement surgery can range from a few weeks to a few months. Your surgeon will give you a good idea of what to expect prior to your surgery.
Soon after your surgery, your surgeon will instruct you to begin rehabilitation. At this point, your muscles will be weak, which is where physical therapy comes in. It is a crucial component of rehabilitation after surgery. Your physical therapist will teach you exercises tailored to your needs for maximum healing and recovery.
You will also visit your surgeon after your surgery at recommended intervals to check on how you are recovering from the procedure. Your surgeon will check on progress, how well your wound is healing, prescribe medications for pain, and make changes to your post-surgery rehabilitation, as needed.
Joint Replacement Surgery in Austin, Texas
Joint replacement surgery is a great treatment option to fix issues that are not responding to other treatments. The orthopedic team at All-Star Orthopedics provides comprehensive orthopedic services to patients in Austin, Texas – from general orthopedic care to joint reconstruction surgery. We will recommend the best treatment plan to address your orthopedic issues. If you need surgery, we will offer you support before, during, and after your procedure to ensure you are well taken care of.
If you have any questions about our orthopedic services or would like to make an appointment with our expert orthopedic surgeon, please call All-Star Orthopedics at (512) 346-4933 or request an appointment now.
