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	What are Joints ? A joint is formed by the meeting of the ends of two or more ....    more		About Knee Joint Replacement Knee replacement is a procedure ........   more		FAQ's Like many unsolved diseases, arthritis is probably...........   more
	What is a joint? A joint is formed by the meeting of the ends of two or more bones connected to each other by special tissues. The knee joint, for example, is formed by the thighbone (called femur) and the shinbone (or tibia) and is a hinge joint. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, formed by the ball-shaped upper end of the femur fitting into the socket of the pelvic bone. The bone ends forming a joint are covered with a smooth layer of a special cushion called cartilage. It normally allows frictionless and pain-free movement. Arthritis damages the cartilage causing pain and stiffness in the joint. The joint is enclosed in a covering called capsule. On the inside of the capsule is a smooth lining (called synovium) which produces fluid that 'oils' the joint. What is Joint Replacement? JOINT REPLACEMENT: SPARE-PART SURGERY Only those with arthritis know how painful it is and how debilitating the pain can be. Until a few years ago, persons with severe arthritis suffered agonizing pain, had to limit their activities, were disabled and often became bedridden and housebound. Joint replacement surgery offers relief from the pain and an improved quality of life. Remarkable advances have been made in joint replacement technology over the last few years. the materials are long-lasting and durable. The surgical technique has become better. As a result, joint replacement operations are now among the most successful of all operations - provided they are performed in well-equipped centres by surgeons specially trained and experienced in performing these highly technical operations. In this operation, the damaged bone ends and cartilage are replaced with artificial surfaces. These usually consist of two parts that are shaped like the normal bone ends and designed to restore function and movement like the normal joint while getting rid of pain. Why is Joint Replacement necessary? Once cartilage is badly damaged there is no known treatment to make it grow again and function normally. The bare bone ends without cartilage rub against each other producing pain and later become roughened leading to difficulty in movement. At this stage joint replacement surgery remains the only option. How do I know when I am ready for Joint Replacement? When all other methods of treatment have been tried and have failed to relieve pain and disability, and when arthritis has affected one’s quality of life, then joint replacement must be considered. You must decide when the time is right for this surgery along with your doctor. You are probably the best judge of when you need an operation - when the pain becomes so chronic, so constant and so crippling that nothing seems to help. You will know when you are ready. Ideally your age should be over 60-65 years although patients with RA and some other conditions may need surgery at a younger age. What are the benefits of Joint Replacement? Once healing is complete, you will reap the benefits of surgery such as: - Freedom from pain - Easier movement and mobility - Increased leg strength - Improved quality of life through greater independence - Ability to return to most pastimes (walking, swimming, golf, etc). Which joints can be replaced? The hip and knee joints are most commonly replaced. Worldwide over 500,000 replacement operations are performed each year. Shoulder, elbow and small joints of the hand can also be replaced but this is done less often. What are the new joints made of? The artificial joint consists of a special metal part on one side and dense plastic (polyethylene) on the other side usually fixed to bone with special bone cement. The materials are well tolerated by the body and rarely cause any reaction or allergy. Imported joints cost more but have been successfully used for 10-20 years. Hundreds of different models of joints are available. Some perform better and have superior results to others. What are various types of joint replacement surgeries? Shoulder Replacement The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. Shoulder Replacement is required most commonly for rheumatoid arthritis, severe fractures and fracture-dislocations, and osteoarthritis. In some conditions only the ball is replaced, in others both ball and socket are replaced. Elbow Replacement This operation is done for rheumatoid arthritis and elbows that have been severely damaged by prior injury (such as fractures or disclocations). Hip Replacement Commonly this operation is done for certain type of hip fractures, avascular necrosis, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Unicompartmental Knee Replacement This lesser known operation can only be done in selected patients who have osteoarthritis affecting only one half (called compartment) of the knee joint. It is in many ways a superior option to the older operation of tibial osteotomy. Total Knee Replacement Most commonly performed for Osteoarthritis affecting all three parts (compartments) of the knee, it is also done for rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and occasionally for arthritis following severe trauma to the knee. Revision Joint Replacement The best results of Joint Replacement are when it is done correctly the first time. However, due to loosening after many years or infection setting into the joint, repeat surgery (called Revision) may be required. With advanced techniques, the results are almost as good as if done for the first time.
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