Joint replacement replaces a badly damaged joint, most often the knee or hip, with an artificial one to reduce pain and improve movement.
When it is considered
- Constant pain even at rest or at night
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or getting up
- Poor sleep because of bone and joint pain
- Medicines, exercise and other treatments no longer help
How the decision is made
The surgeon examines the joint, reviews X-rays and discusses your daily activities and health before advising surgery. Many people are managed without surgery for years.
Recovery
Recovery involves walking practice and physiotherapy under guidance. Timelines differ from person to person.
What happens in a joint replacement?
The damaged ends of the bones in the knee or hip are removed and replaced with smooth metal and plastic parts. The new joint moves without the bone-on-bone grinding that causes arthritis pain. Surgery usually takes one to two hours with spinal or general anaesthesia.
Signs that surgery may help
- Pain that stays even when you rest or at night
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or getting out of a chair
- X-rays showing advanced loss of joint space
- Little or no relief from medicines, exercises and injections
Alternatives to try first
Many people avoid or delay surgery by managing weight, doing strengthening exercises, using walking aids, taking appropriate medicines and having injections. Your surgeon will explain which options suit you, and will recommend replacement only when it is likely to help.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Most patients stand and walk with support within a day of surgery. Physiotherapy over the following weeks restores movement and strength, and most people return to daily activities in a few weeks, with full recovery over several months. Following your exercise plan matters as much as the operation itself. Orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon Dr. Y. Srinivas Rao consults at Swastha Clinic, Vanasthalipuram, Monday to Saturday.
Signs it may be time to consider replacement
- Pain that wakes you at night or limits walking to short distances
- Difficulty climbing stairs, getting up from a chair or putting on socks
- X-rays showing severe cartilage loss, and no lasting relief from medicines, injections or physiotherapy
What the surgery involves
The damaged surfaces of the knee or hip are replaced with a smooth implant. Modern techniques, including robotic-assisted knee and hip replacement where indicated, aim for accurate alignment and faster recovery. Your orthopaedic surgeon will check your overall fitness and control conditions such as diabetes or blood pressure beforehand.
Recovery
Most patients stand with support the day after surgery and continue physiotherapy for several weeks. Following the exercise plan closely is the key to a good result. Dr. Y. Srinivas Rao, bone and joint specialist, will discuss alternatives first, and replacement only when it truly helps you.
Frequently asked questions
Is joint replacement painful?
Some pain is expected after surgery and is managed with medicines and physiotherapy.
Who should I consult?
An orthopaedic surgeon experienced in joint replacement and arthroscopy.
This is general information and does not replace an examination. Consult Dr. Y. Srinivas Rao at Swastha Multispeciality Clinic, Vaidehi Nagar, Vanasthalipuram.
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