When Might I Consider Full Joint Replacement?
- Posted on: Nov 15 2019
At Desio Sports Medicine, Dr. Stephen M. Desio of Worcester, MA understands the need for both non surgical and surgical joint care and treatment. When patients have experienced injuries to their joints that have resulted in permanent damage to the joint surfaces, joint replacement surgery may be an option.
Nonsurgical options are always tried first and if these do not work, the patient may want to ask their provider about the benefits of joint replacement surgery. In addition, patients with severe arthritis in a specific joint may benefit from surgery versus more traditional methods of treatment. Patients who have mild to moderate arthritis may benefit from non surgical options such as:
- Physical therapy
- Routine exercise
- Weight loss
- Braces
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Improved nutrition/diet
- Orthotics
- Injection therapy, including Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Cartilage Injections (Viscosupplementation), or Cortisone Injections.
When these more traditional means of treating arthritis in specific joints are no longer effective, the doctor might recommend moving forward with joint replacement surgery.
Understanding joint replacement options
With an artificial joint, many areas of the body can experience restored function and can significantly reduce one’s pain and discomfort. Protheses are created of durable metals and plastics that fit and glide smoothly for improved functionality. The ball and socket joints are replaced in the same manner, with prosthetics that are held to the bone with special bone bonding materials or a specialized locking mechanism. With physical therapy following joint replacement, most patients return to their normal activities with little to no pain after several months. This can be a lifechanging opportunity for men and women who have been unable to enjoy their daily activities due to pain from arthritis or bone injuries.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KNEE ARTHRITIS:AAOS ARTHRITIS EDUCATION SITE
What joints are replaced with surgery?
The primary areas that may be treated with joint replacement includes the knees, shoulders, and hips. These are the more common joints that can be addressed with full joint replacement surgery.
Request an appointment at Desio Sports Medicine today
If you live in the area of Worcester, MA and are considering joint replacement options, we encourage you to schedule a consultation visit with Dr. Stephen M. Desio and his team of professionals. His practice is located at 123 Summer Street, Suite 520 and can be reached by phone at (508) 363-6363. Dr. Stephen M. Desio has membership and affiliation with several organizations including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Arthroscopy Association of North America, and The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.
Tagged with: Knee Replacement, Osteoarthritis, PRP, Synvisc
Posted in: Joint Replacement, Knee Joints