Total Joint Arthroplasty Surgery

Total joint arthroplasty, also known as total joint replacement, is a surgical option for those with severe joint pain and dysfunction due to arthritis or injury. By replacing the damaged joint with a prosthesis, this procedure helps restore mobility and significantly reduces pain, allowing patients to return to their daily activities with ease and comfort.

Whether it's your knee, hip, shoulder or another joint, our expert team at Nacogdoches Medical Partners is here to guide you through every step of the process, from preparation to recovery, ensuring you achieve an optimal outcome.

What Is Total Joint Arthroplasty?

Total joint arthroplasty, commonly known as total joint replacement, is a surgical joint pain treatment option that aims to relieve pain and restore function in joints that have been damaged by arthritis or injury. During this procedure, the damaged parts of a joint are removed and replaced with a prosthesis made of metal, plastic or ceramic. This prosthesis is carefully crafted to mimic the natural movement of a healthy joint, helping patients regain mobility and reduce discomfort.

Before Surgery

Preparing for total joint replacement surgery involves both physical and mental readiness. Your healthcare team will conduct various tests to ensure you are fit for surgery. You will also have a chance to ask questions and understand the process.

During Surgery

The surgery itself usually takes a few hours and is performed in a hospital or specialized surgical center. During the procedure, your surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone from the joint and replace them with the prosthetic components. These components are designed to replicate the natural movement of your joint, providing relief from pain and improving your overall mobility.

After Surgery

Recovery from total joint replacement varies for each individual, but it generally involves a combination of rest, physical therapy and a gradual return to daily activities. You may experience some temporary pain as your body heals and adjusts to the new joint, but this should improve over time. Follow your doctor's rehabilitation plan to help you achieve optimal recovery outcomes.

What Is Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Total knee arthroplasty (knee joint replacement) is a surgical procedure that aims to relieve knee pain and correct deformities that may be causing pain. It may be recommended if nonsurgical treatments don’t work. Knee replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged bone or cartilage with a prosthesis. Depending on how severe the damage is to the knee joint, your doctor may recommend partial or total replacement.

A partial knee arthroplasty procedure will only replace one knee joint side. On the other hand, both sides of the knee joint will be replaced in total robotic knee replacement surgery. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) reported that more than 90% of total knee replacements still function 15 years after the operation.

What Are Artificial Knees Made Of?

Knee replacement implants that may be used include:

Metal on plastic – the most common implant type.
Ceramic on plastic – may be recommended to patients who are sensitive to the nickel typically used in metal implants.
Ceramic on ceramic – this material is least likely to cause a reaction to the body. However, they may produce squeaking noise when walking.

How Long Do Artificial Knees Last?

Knee prosthesis surgery implants may last up to 25 years. However, it’s good to note that performance and lifespan can vary depending on your lifestyle and the wear and tear from movement. Younger patients may need to have their artificial joints revised at some point in their lifetime. The types of implants to be used may depend on factors such as:

Your needs, knee problem, knee anatomy and overall health
Your orthopedic surgeon’s experience with implanting the material
Cost and performance of the implant

Nevertheless, the material used for knee replacement must be:

Biocompatible or must not be rejected by your body.
Strong enough to carry weight.
Flexible enough to bear stress without breaking.
Able to glide smoothly against each other for optimal function.
Able to retain their shape and strength long-term.

Tips for Recovery

After the total joint arthroplasty procedure, your doctor may require you to stay in the hospital for a few days depending on factors such as your age, comorbidities or any condition you have related to the affected joint. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe for you to go home. If you feel pain or initial discomfort in the replaced joint, don’t panic.

It’s normal to experience pain and discomfort as your body heals and your muscles regain strength. Pain may last several weeks, while swelling may last for two to three weeks. This swelling may persist for up to three to six months. Bruising may also occur one to two weeks after the surgery. Here are some tips to help you ease your recovery:

Manage your pain and swelling – stick to a schedule when taking your pain medication. Setting an alarm can help you keep track of your dosage schedule. Applying ice packs to the hurting joint may also help ease pain. Call a doctor if swelling becomes too much or is accompanied by fever, chills, wound drainage and other unusual symptoms.
Move around safely – joint surgery patients will likely need a walker to help them get around for the first few weeks after surgery. After this period, a cane may be prescribed for an additional three weeks. During this time, make sure your pathways are free of hazards that may cause you to trip or fall. You may also have to avoid using the stairs as much as possible for the first few weeks after your hospital discharge.
Stay physically active – your doctor may recommend physical or occupational therapy to help restore your knee’s movement and strengthen your leg after surgery. These therapies may last up to three to four months, depending on your preferences and progress. The key is to stay on top of your therapy appointments and keep doing the exercises your therapists teach you. Most of these exercises are recommended to be done at home where it’s generally safer.

Our team is committed to guiding you through your joint surgery recovery. Aside from tailoring specific procedures for you, we also tailor recovery plans to your specific needs. We strive to provide you with comprehensive post-surgery care to ensure you have a smooth recovery that focuses on restoring your joint's functionality.