Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Arthroplasty is a surgery that involves replacing all or some of a joint. If you have a damaged bone and cartilage in your natural joint, it will be replaced with a prosthetic implant. These procedures require you to be physically and psychologically prepared. With this blog we aim to cover how you can stay prepared and also when to choose the joint replacement surgery. Preparing for the Joint Replacement Surgery Joint replacement surgery can be a challenging experience. Depending upon the condition of your surgery, the surgeon might suggest for total joint replacement or a joint preservation surgery. Replacing the worn-out joint can relieve pain and help you move faster and better. Joint replacement surgery is mostly carried out on hip and knee joints. A few things to be taken into account to get in shape for arthroplasty surgery: – Quit smoking, as it delays healing and recovery. – Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet. If you are overweight, the stress may be placed on your new joint. – If you are using any drugs, inform your doctor. Some drugs can cause complications like increased bleeding during and following the surgery, thus impacting it. – Strengthen your upper body to make it easier for you to use crutches or a walker post-surgery. Increase strength for your leg muscles by doing isometric exercises. What is Arthroplasty Surgery? Arthroplasty surgery is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a joint entirely or partially. A surgeon evaluates the condition of your joints and suggests joint replacement surgery, either whole or fixing the damaged parts. The replaced joint is an artificial one made of biologically compatible materials. It may be cemented or uncemented depending on your bone health. The most common reason for an arthroplasty is degenerative arthritis, but some people with rheumatoid arthritis may need one, too. Your surgeon might suggest an arthroplasty if you’ve post-traumatic arthritis due to the following reasons. Falls or other serious injuries. Car accidents. Sports injuries. What Happens During Arthroplasty Surgery? On the surgery day, you will receive anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain during the surgery. An anesthesiologist will administer either general anesthesia or a regional one. During the joint replacement procedure, your surgeon will: Remove the damaged cartilage and bone. Reshape the bones around the joint to fit the new prosthetic joint components. Place prosthetic components to replicate your natural movement at the joints. Augmented Reality-Assisted Joint Replacement Surgery:At a few centres like ours, joint replacement surgeries are performed with the help of Augmented Reality assistance, where a special computer guides the surgeon’s tools during the entire procedure. This technique is commonly used for replacing joints like hips and knees. Studies have shown that Augmented reality-assisted surgeries improve accuracy and ensure a more secure placement of the prosthetic implant. What happens after an Arthroplasty? After the Arthroplasty surgery, the recovery process starts. Your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be monitored and you will need to stay for a few days at the hospital. After surgery, it’s essential to start moving the new joint. Soon after surgery, you will have a consultation with a physiotherapist. They will create a rehabilitative workout regimen for you. Physiotherapy is used extensively to help people recover fast; a graded exercise programme can be started. You will have to continue the physical exercise regime until you regain a healthy range of motion and muscle strength. Making some changes to your home may help you during your recovery. These may include: Handrails along all stairs Safety handrails in the shower or bath Shower bench or chair Raised toilet seat Stable chair with a firm seat cushion and a firm back with two arms. This allows your knees to be lower than your hips when you sit. Long-handled sponge and shower hose Dressing stick Opt for Expert Joint Replacement Surgery at MJ Naidu Hospitals At MJ Naidu Hospitals, we specialize in joint replacement surgeries with cutting-edge facilities and a legacy of orthopedic excellence spanning 38 years. Our team of 10 highly skilled orthopedic surgeons, supported by over 200 dedicated professionals, has successfully performed more than 50,000 surgeries, helping over 250,000 patients recover and regain mobility. We are committed to providing personalized, patient-focused care, ensuring each individual receives the best treatment tailored to their joint replacement needs. Schedule your appointment today. FAQs on Joint Replacement Surgery What can I do before knee replacement surgery to improve my recovery? – To improve your recovery, focus on strengthening exercises for your quads, hamstrings, and glutes. If you are overweight, even a small amount of weight loss can significantly help, work on increasing your knee and hip flexibility. Stop smoking, as it can slow healing and increase complications. What advice would you give to someone preparing for a total joint replacement surgery? – Discuss all concerns and expectations with your surgeon. Prepare your home for safe mobility after surgery. Try to arrange for help with daily tasks during recovery and be mentally prepared for the entire journey of your surgery and recovery. How to Stay Strong & Active to Delay Joint Replacements? – Maintain a healthy weight as excess weight puts extra stress on joints. Make it a routine to engage in regular low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling. Work on strengthening your core muscles to improve stability and reduce joint strain. Table of Contents Preparing for the Joint Replacement Surgery What is Arthroplasty Surgery What Happens During Arthroplasty Surgery What happens after an Arthroplasty Opt for Expert Joint Replacement FAQ MJNaidu hospital latest Updates delivered straight to your inbox Follow Us You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.