What joints are replaceable?

Written by: Department Of Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement
Published: March 24, 2021
4 min Read

Joint replacement is often necessary for solving problems like worn-out cartilage, pain in joints, and damaged surrounding. Pain in the joint may be due to several reasons. It can be sudden or due to an accident. Moreover, it can be because of chronic or regressive conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

However, you can get relief from such problems though new joint replacement ways. The care following replacement techniques are therapies which help to restore function, regain strength and relieve pain. Most people go through joint replacement when they suffer from swelling, stiffness, frozen joints, and warmth joint. There may also be a grinding joint, weakening of the joint, and movability issue. The most common joints that demands replacement are as follows:

Elbow
Shoulder
Wrist
Ankle
Knee
Hip

Other uncommon joints that rarely demands replacement are:

Finger joints
Big toe
Thumb

Types of surgeries for joint replacement

The skeletal system is made up of different types of joint. Now, the hip or shoulder joint is also called a ball and socket joint. It is called so as the point has a rounded end and another part has a hollow back. Both parts join together to allow you to rotate your hands and leg. The knee joint is also called a hinge joint as it can straighten and bend. These two joints are most probable to undergo joint replacement surgery.

However, the doctor always suggests a non-surgical option if possible, to relieve pain. He may advise you to light exercise, walking aids, and medications to help you move and reduce pain.

Knee replacement surgery

The knee joint is the most complex joint that connects significant limbs. It holds the entire weight of the body and is vulnerable to multiple ailments and injuries. There can be several types of knee surgery treatment. It depends whether you are suffering from micro facture, total or partial knee injury, or torn ACL.

Hip replacement

There are two types of hip replacement – half or total. In a total hip replacement, the doctor treats both the femoral head and acetabulum. However, in half or hemiarthroplasty, the doctor only treats the femoral head.

Elbow replacement

To treat the injury related to elbow bones, your orthopedic will replace it with implants that act as an artificial joint. The implant attaches itself to the arm during the surgery. A plastic or metal hinge connects the implants.

Shoulder replacement

If you are having an issue associated with the deltoid in your shoulder you need joint replacement including the deltopectoral approach. Consequently, if you are having a problem with the glenoid, you need transdeltoid system. However, in severe cases, reverse complete shoulder replacement is needed.

Conclusion

These surgeries last for around twenty to twenty-five years. Furthermore, if you are going through surgery at a younger age, you will need revision. Even after surgery, you will require medical care, exercise, and medication to recover. However, it can all be avoided if you take care of your joints beforehand through healthy habits.