Arthritis Zone
SURGICAL SOLUTIONS
Although medications are the first defense against arthritis pain and
swelling, if they fail to solve the problem, many doctors will suggest
a surgical measure. Whenever someone is considering a surgical
procedure, he or she should consult a physician for expressing concerns
and gathering information. During this time, he or she should
discuss all of the any potential risks involved with the procedure as
well as all of the alternative measures. However, a decision is
made to continue with the surgery, the doctor will recommend a
procedure that he feels is best suited for the patient’s condition and
then will explain what that procedure entails. Note that sometimes
before surgery, doctors prescribe blood-thinning medication and advise
you to do various joint movement activities or exercises in order to
increase circulation.
Some benefits of going the surgery route can include the stabilization,
improved alignment or replacement of a joint so that you can have
greater mobility, flexibility, overall use and range-of-motion.
Surgery may also be able to provide some level of pain relief where
other treatment options might have failed.
Be aware there are possible risks with surgery, though, like blood
clots resulting. And your healthcare specialist may advise against
surgery if, for example, you have existing health problems that could
pose possible unwanted risks. Some of these problems could include
sickness or infections that would need to be healed first, being over
weight, which could cause more stress and delayed recovery, lung
problems or heart disease.
Common types of surgery used in the treatment of arthritis follow:
Arthrodesis – This is the
joining together or fusion of joint bones.
Arthrodesis helps stop the progression of the disease at the point of
fusion, ending the pain. Loss of the joint’s flexibility can result.
However, the area will be better able to handle weight and offer
general movement. In other words, the joint may not be
360-degree-flexible any longer, but there will be some lesser-degree of
flexibility overall without pain.
Arthroplasty – This is the
replacement or rebuilding of an entire
joint. And it is intended for those with high-level pain and movement
impairment. It is discussed in much more detail in the section
immediately following this one, offering a focus with regards to hip
replacement.
Arthroscopy – Growing
more popular with the improved use of
technology, this procedure is when specialized instruments are inserted
into the joint by means of tiny incisions. During this surgery, the
operating physician has helping staff members who aid the computerized
monitoring and some handling of the instruments. The doctor can see the
joint on closed-circuit television and make repairs to it, while
talking through a microphone. Then not only are there physical results,
but the patient has a video with audio record of the entire occurrence
for insurance and other records. Arthroscopy is often performed
on an outpatient basis. And recovery time is generally much less than
with other “open” surgery.
Osteotomy - This is a
medical procedure that makes an actual cut
in the bone, most generally to correct youth deformities like in the
knee or hip. Osteotomy helps with re-alignment, stabilization, pain
relief and the delaying of joint replacement alternatives for up to 10
years.
Synovectomy – This procedure,
generally done via arthroscopy, involves
the removal of diseased joint tissue lining or synovium. Results can
include swelling decrease, pain relief, improved but not completely
healed joint health.
Procedures
for Joint Replacement Surgery
Home Page
This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.