Joint Surgery Types – 9 Standard Surgical Options Can Help You To Recover

If you maintain your body mass index (BMI), take a healthy diet -keeping a check on the food proportion you consume and of course, exercise regularly. However, still, joint pain persists from your arthritis, surgery may be knocking on your door.

These standard surgical options listed down can help you have an informed discussion with your doctor about which type is best for you.

Arthroscopy

How is it done?

Arthroscopy – a surgical procedure – to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems of joint.

Surgeons use this technique – which involves a small incision in the patient’s skin and then further inserts small specialized instruments that contain a miniature lens to magnify and a tiny camera. To illuminate the structures inside of the joint and also enable to fix tissues around the knee, hip, shoulder, and other joints; repair and remove damaged cartilage, free-floating cartilage pieces. Within a few weeks, visible changes can be noted like reduced pain, improved range of motion, more comfortable to do activities of daily living.

Joint Resurfacing

How is it done?

Joint Resurfacing is called unicompartmental or partial knee replacement method — small metal implants. In this method, cavities pulled out from the cartilage; then, defects are filled up by metal to create a smooth and continuous surface.

It is one of the surgical methods for the treatment of cartilage defects in the major joints. Minor structural changes are ensured to the joint via this method, and patients within a few weeks attain normalcy.

In this methodology, unlike bone replacement procedures- orthopedic surgeons replace only one of the three compartments of the knee with an implant. The hip socket should be replaced with a metal cup, and the damaged hip ball is reshaped. This technique is directed towards those in their middle years (40–50 years of age). It’s not recommended for people with kidney disease or diabetes.

Osteotomy

How is it done?

An osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting or removing a bone to change its alignment. Osteotomy shifts weight from the damaged area to a safe space, example this surgery is performed to straighten hallux valgus or to heal crookedly fracture the bone. In the hip also it is often used to correct misalignment. Osteotomy is not as simple as it seems because surgery is very complex and only performed by a specialist under high supervision. IT is most useful for patients less than 60 years.

Synovectomy

How is it done?

Synovectomy surgery refers to the removal of the membrane (synovium) – in people with inflammatory arthritis. The synovium can become inflamed or grow too much and further hampering its surrounding joints and cartilage. In this surgery, the affected synovium is uprooted by using arthroscopy. The knee joint is most often selected for this surgery. It is found that this procedure provides temporary relief and can limit the range of motion to a great extent.

Arthrodesis, Or Fusion

How is it done?

Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure in which surgeons use heavy metal hardware like plates, rods to join two, and more bones in the ankles, wrists resulting in one continuous joint. With time the bones grow and connect. Most of the patients are people inflammatory arthritis. The benefit of the procedure is its durability and longevity.

The cons are that it hampers normal biomechanics of the joints

Total Joint Replacement (TJR), Or Total Joint Arthroplasty

How is it done?

Total Joint Arthroplasty is a surgery in which parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed with an implant that is made from metal, plastic, or ceramic components called a prosthesis. It is designed to replicate the movement and enhance the motion of a joint. This surgery is more common in younger people as it reduces pain and improves mobility enabling them to enjoy life. Joint revision surgery may be required in the future.

Minimally Invasive TJR

How is it done?

Minimally Invasive TJR uses smaller incisions and then replaces a damaged joint. In this procedure, minimal muscle is cut and then further reattached. Most patients of this surgery are active people younger than 50 years. The pros of the operation are less pain and less time consuming very quicker recovery compared with conventional joint replacement. However, these procedures are complicated and have higher complication rates.

Joint Revision

How is it done?

Millions of implants are done, but only a few are successful- Joint Revision revises the previously done surgery by replacing it with a new one. Revision surgery is complex; it requires planning and organizing. Most frequent patients are people with damaged implants. Generally, implants last more than 20 years, but active young people need revision quite frequently. This surgery enables improved mobility and coordination. Complex problems after surgery include higher fracture risk, dislocation, and unevenness also.

Hip Arthroplasty

How is it done?

Hip arthroplasty is a surgical procedure – a damaged joint is removed and replaced with a prosthesis. The prosthesis is made up of metal or ceramic material specially designed to replicate the mobility of a joint. It is also called hip replacement. The surgical incision is used to cut or detached the damaged area. Material inserted between ball and socket for smooth and gliding movement — the benefit of surgery- less damage to soft tissues.