Joint Replacement Surgery

WHAT IS IT? Joint replacement surgery is removing a damaged joint and putting in a new one. A joint is where two or more bones come together, like the knee, hip, and shoulder. The surgery is usually done by a doctor called an Orthopaedic Surgeon. WHAT ARE THE CAUSES / INDICATIONS? Osteoarthritis (OA) Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Developmental abnormalities of joint formation Genetic predisposition to abnormal cartilage metabolism Repetitive micro joint injuries WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? During a hip or knee replacement, a surgeon removes the painful, damaged surfaces of the joint and replaces them with metal implants with plastic inserts.This gets rid of the pain, because the diseased cartilage is removed and replaced. The second reason is to improve joint function after a joint replacement, people can walk more easily. Some may be able to ride a bike or play golf as well. WHAT ARE THE RISKS? Cardio-pulmonary insufficiency Pulmonary embolism Venous Thromboembolism Nerve damage (rarely) Reaction to anaesthesia or other drugs