Understanding your joint replacement

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Abraham Sullivan
7 years ago
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Why do I have serious hip or knee problems? Problems with major joints like the hip and knee are most frequently the result of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.

1 Why do I have serious hip or knee problems? Problems with major joints like the hip and knee are most frequently the result of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is most often related to wear and tear that has been placed on the joints over the years. Its onset is usually after age 50. Factors that predispose to this condition include family history, obesity, previous surgery to the joint where a large piece of cartilage (cushion between the bones) was removed, or previous fractures in the area of the joint. Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the more common kinds of inflammatory arthritis. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the joints of the body which are lined with a membrane called synovium. These joints include the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hands and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis is likely of autoimmune origin, which means the body produces cells that irritate the synovium in the joint leading to destruction of the cartilage. This form of arthritis occurs in all age groups. It is characterized by stiffness, joint swelling, laxity of the ligaments, pain, and decreased range of motion. Posttraumatic arthritis (a form of osteoarthritis) may occur following a serious knee or hip injury, such as fracture, severe ligament tear, or dislocation. What results can I expect from a Joint Replacement? Generally, joint replacement is successful. Pain is relieved, deformity corrected, and patients resume former activities and enjoy an active lifestyle. Long term success rates vary from 10 to 20 years, depending on age, weight, and activity level. 19

What is Total Knee Replacement Surgery? The knee joint is composed of three parts: the end of the femur (thigh bone), the top of the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (knee cap).

2 What is Total Knee Replacement Surgery? The knee joint is composed of three parts: the end of the femur (thigh bone), the top of the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (knee cap). In a normal knee, these three bones are covered with a smooth cartilage that cushions the bones and enables them to move easily. In the arthritic knee, the cartilage layers are destroyed resulting in bone rubbing against bone which causes pain, muscle weakness and limited motion. Total knee replacement surgery involves the resurfacing of the knee joint. Metal components are cemented to the ends of the bones and a plastic liner is inserted between them. The kneecap is also resurfaced with a plastic liner. When in place, these components move together to allow normal motion of the knee joint. Bow leg or knock knee deformity can usually be corrected by the new alignment. 20

3 JUST FOR KNEES DO S and DON TS For your safety, you should adhere to the following precautions, particularly during the first 4 weeks after surgery. DO NOT sit on low chairs. A chair with arms will allow you to get up and down easier. DO NOT twist your knee for 6 to 8 weeks. DO NOT sit longer than 45 minutes at a time as this may make the muscles around your knee stiffen. DO attend Physical Therapy as prescribed by your surgeon. DO push to gain maximum motion of your knee during the first 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. DO stay active. You should take daily walks, increasing your distance as your strength improves. 21

What is Total Hip Replacement surgery? Your hip joint is composed of two parts: the round head of the femur (the ball) and the acetabulum (the cup or socket in your pelvis).

4 What is Total Hip Replacement surgery? Your hip joint is composed of two parts: the round head of the femur (the ball) and the acetabulum (the cup or socket in your pelvis). In a normal hip joint these two bones are coated with smooth articular cartilage that allows them to move against each other without friction or pain. In an arthritic hip, the cartilage layers are destroyed, and bone rubs against bone causing pain and limiting motion. Hip replacement surgery replaces your arthritic hip joint with an artificial joint composed of a ball component and a socket component. The metal ball is attached to a stem that fits into your thigh bone. This component can be cemented or non-cemented depending on your age and the condition of your bone. A plastic liner with an outer metal sheet is secured into your pelvis. A combination of a cemented ball and a non-cemented socket also may be used. Your orthopedic surgeon will choose the type of components that best meets your individual needs. Once in place, the artificial ball and socket functions in essentially the same manner as your natural hip. 22

5 JUST FOR HIPS DO S and DON TS For your safety and the safety of your new hip, you should adhere to the following precautions, particularly during the first 3 months after surgery. DO NOT force hip beyond 90 degrees. This happens either by bringing your knee up too close to your chest, or by bringing your chest too close to your knee. DO NOT pivot or twist on the operated leg. Forcing your operated leg inward should be avoided. DO NOT cross your legs. Imagine a line drawn down the middle of your body (from the tip of your nose to the space between your two feet). You should not bring your operated hip across that line. DO NOT reach forward to the floor from a sitting position. DO NOT sit on low chairs or low toilets. This is another way of forcing hip bending beyond 90 degrees. DO attend Physical Therapy as prescribed by your surgeon. DO stay active. You should take daily walks, increasing your distance as your strength improves. DO use an elevated commode seat. DO use a pillow or two between your legs when sleeping, especially when you turn onto the non-operative side to rest. This will help keep your operated hip on its side of the imaginary line, as discussed above. DO sit with your hips higher than your knees. 23

Total Hip Replacement

Please contactmethroughthegoldcoasthospitaswityouhaveanyproblemsafteryoursurgery. Dr. Benjamin Hewitt Orthopaedic Surgeon Total Hip Replacement The hip joint is a ball and socket joint that connects the