Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee Replacement Surgery:

• Involves replacing damaged portions of the knee joint with artificial implants made of metal and plastic.

• Commonly performed to treat severe arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, which causes pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

• Also indicated for individuals with significant knee deformity, trauma-related damage, or failure of previous knee surgeries.

Hip Replacement Surgery:

• Involves replacing the damaged or diseased parts of the hip joint with artificial components, typically made of metal, ceramic, or plastic.

• Indicated for severe hip pain and stiffness caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or hip fractures.

• It's recommended when conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications no longer improve mobility.

When is it advisable to undergo knee or hip replacement surgery?

• Persistent Pain: When pain in the knee or hip joint persists despite conservative treatments such as pain medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications.

• Limited Mobility: When joint stiffness and limited range of motion significantly impair daily activities, including walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of chairs.

• Severe Arthritis: When arthritis-related damage has significantly deteriorated the joint structure, leading to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and debilitating pain.

• Failure of Non-Surgical Treatments: When non-surgical interventions like corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation, or activity modification fail to provide adequate relief or improve joint function.

• Impact on Quality of Life: When knee or hip pain and dysfunction significantly affect quality of life, hindering participation in activities, work, or social interactions.

• Functional Limitations: When the joint condition affects the ability to perform daily tasks independently, leading to dependency on assistive devices or caregivers.

In summary, knee and hip replacement surgeries are recommended when conservative treatments fail to alleviate pain and restore function, and when the joint condition significantly impairs mobility and quality of life. It's crucial for individuals considering these surgeries to discuss the risks, benefits, and expectations with their healthcare provider to make informed decisions.