5 Reasons You May Need A Joint Replacement
- Posted on: Feb 28 2015
When noninvasive treatments such as prescription medications or walking supports are no longer helpful for relieving serious joint problems, a patient may need to consider joint replacement surgery. Joint replacement surgery is the safest and most effective procedure for relieving pain, correcting joint deformities, and restoring quality of life by allowing patients to resume normal activities.
Reasons For A Joint Replacement
- Osteoarthritis: Referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) causes breakdown of cartilage in knees, hips, fingers and spinal joints. OA is sometimes the result of repeated past injuries to specific joints, a major reason why OA is commonly seen in athletes and weight trainers. Symptoms of OA include joint pain, tenderness, and stiffness following inactive periods (such as waking up in the morning) and intense inflammation after using the injured joint.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the synovial membrane (joint lining) and destruction of ligament, cartilage and bone tissue. Unlike OA, which results from stress and repetitive injuries, rheumatic arthritis is the result of a dysfunctional immune system. Symptoms of RA are similar to OA, with the exception of immune system-related symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, weight loss and a general feeling of malaise.
- Traumatic Arthritis: Traumatic arthritis results from acute joint injuries or ligament/meniscal tears resulting from injury. When the articular cartilage tears, joint degeneration often accelerates due to increased friction of joint components. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that while traumatic arthritis does not affect everyone who suffers an injury, it can develop quickly, sometimes in less than six months.
- Osteonecrosis: Osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis is joint damage caused by the loss of blood supply to the bones. Osteonecrosis generally affects the ball of the femur bone in the upper leg but can degrade knee, ankle and shoulder joints as well. Dislocated joints, traumatic injuries, radiation treatments and certain diseases can put intense pressure on the interior of the bone and inhibit blood supply.
Considering Joint Replacement? Contact Dr. Desio
For more information about joint replacement, contact Dr. Desio today. Our offices are located in Worcester, Massachusetts, and we proud serve all surrounding areas. Schedule your appointment today at 508.363.6363. We hope to hear from you soon.
Tagged with: Joint Replacement
Posted in: Orthopedic Surgery