Arthroplasty for Hips and Knees
Arthroplasty, also known as joint replacement surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to address the impact of joint damage caused by conditions such as arthritis. In this advanced medical approach, Dr. Garrett Davis MD, removes a damaged or arthritic joint’s affected parts and replaces them with prosthetic components made of materials like plastic, metal, or ceramic. These artificial joints are crafted to replicate the natural movement and functionality of a healthy joint.
Understanding Your Joints: Anatomy Basics
The Purpose of Arthroplasty
Arthroplasty’s primary goal is to restore the proper function of a joint that has been compromised due to injury or conditions like arthritis. Surgeons achieve this by either resurfacing the bones or replacing them with artificial joints, known as prostheses. Various types of arthritis, with degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) being a common example, can lead to a loss of joint cushioning or cartilage, making arthroplasty a potential solution for enhancing joint health.
Exploring Types of Arthroplasty
While knee and hip replacements are prevalent, arthroplasty is not confined to these areas alone. Dr. Davis is a member of the Orthopedic team at Orthopedic Partners. His colleagues also perform arthroplasty on joints like the elbow, wrist, ankle, and shoulder. This procedure proves particularly beneficial for addressing damage caused by conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, joint injuries, and other joint-related concerns resulting from injury or disease.
Differentiating Arthroplasty from Joint Replacement
Total Knee Arthroplasty: Navigating Knee Concerns
Total knee arthroplasty, also known as knee replacement, targets the relief of stiffness and pain caused by conditions like osteoarthritis. The procedure involves the removal of damaged bone portions and their replacement with artificial implants. Individuals with advanced knee arthritis, characterized by erosion, pitting, and unevenness of the knee surface, often benefit from this procedure. It offers relief from pain, deformities, and difficulties in body alignment and stability.
Hip Arthroplasty: Addressing Hip Health
Hip arthroplasty, or hip replacement, focuses on alleviating stiffness and pain in the hip joint, commonly due to arthritis or injuries. During the surgery, portions of the femur and pelvis forming the hip joint are replaced with artificial implants. This procedure targets conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bone tumors, osteonecrosis, and fractures, restoring mobility and enhancing the quality of life for eligible candidates.
