During joint replacement surgery, damaged or diseased parts of a joint are removed and replaced with artificial parts. These parts are made to mimic the movement of a healthy, functioning joint.
Why You May Need Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement is a very effective way to relieve pain when traditional treatments fails. Before you become a candidate for surgery, your physician will encourage physical therapy, prescribe medications for pain relief and suggest other solutions for relieving chronic pain. But if you have severe joint damage and pain, joint replacement may be your best option.
Hips and knees are the most common types of joints replaced. Many other damaged joints— ankles, wrists, shoulders and fingers—can benefit from joint replacement surgery, too.
Before Joint Replacement Surgery
Taking these three steps before your joint replacement surgery can help you concentrate on recovery after surgery:
- Focus on getting in shape. While this is important for a healthy recovery, being in good physical shape can also help you before surgery. Ask your physician for a list of daily exercises to complete in preparation for surgery. If you are overweight, your provider may recommend a weight-loss program. Being overweight can put excess pressure on your rebuilt joint.
- Get your home recovery ready. Now is the time to prepare for your homecoming. Store pre-made meals in the freezer for quick, accessible dishes. Temporarily rearrange furniture so you can get around your home easier. Place frequently used items within arm’s reach.
- Put together medical information. This is a not-so-fun but important step to take before surgery. Make sure all your medical information is updated for your health care team. Your surgeon needs to know of any allergies, medications and supplements you take, as well as dietary restrictions. You will also be asked to select someone to drive you home after surgery.
Within 24 hours of surgery, you will need to shower or bathe with an antibacterial soap to reduce your risk of infection. Your physician will ask you not to eat or drink after midnight the day of surgery. If you will have an overnight stay, pack a small bag with comfortable clothing, personal care items, a phone charger, and a book or deck of cards to pass the time.
During Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgery generally takes only a few hours. You will be given anesthesia so you won’t feel pain. Your surgeon will make an incision near the joint, then remove any damaged cartilage and bone and replace it with a prosthetic implant. The implant will help your joint move better and with less pain.
After the implant is attached, your surgeon will close the open wound with stitches. You will be taken to a recovery room for a few hours until the anesthesia wears off.
After Joint Replacement Surgery
Depending on the type of your surgery, you may stay in the hospital for a few days to recover under medical supervision. Nurses will administer pain medications and antibiotics and take care of any of your needs.
Immediately after your surgery, you will work with a physical therapist to help you adjust to your new joint. They will guide you through a set of gentle exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint.
Strategies for a Quick Recovery
Joint replacement is a major surgery, and it may take some time to reach full recovery. But with patience and hard work, you can return to normal activities quicker. Here are some tips for a better recovery:
- Attend rehabilitation. Physical therapy is very important for the speed of your recovery. A physical therapist will work with you to relearn movements such as sitting up, bending the joint and walking. You will complete a structured set of strengthening exercises to help you meet your rehabilitation goals. The University of Maryland Rehabilitation Network can connect you with multidisciplinary rehabilitation care across the state of Maryland.
- Eat a healthy diet. Healthy eating can help you recover from surgery and aid in wound healing. Focus on foods rich in protein, vitamin C, zinc, calcium and vitamin D. Pain medications can sometimes cause constipation. If you experience constipation following surgery, your physician may recommend increasing your fiber intake as well.
- Follow at home exercises. Your physical therapist will supervise your at-home exercise program. Gentle exercises can help you restore your strength during the early weeks of recovery. With time, these exercises will help you get back to the activities you love.
- Take care of your wound. Avoid getting your incision wet to prevent infection. Your preoperative instructions will show you how to bandage your wound and how often to change the bandage.
Choosing the Right Joint Replacement Surgeon
Selecting the right joint replacement surgeon for you can make a huge difference for your overall outcome. At the University of Maryland Joint Network, our total joint replacement surgeons from across the state are held to the highest standards of care. UM Joint Network surgeons select a partner who is experienced with the procedure and has a track record of providing patients with the best quality of care, including lower infection rates and faster recovery times.
Hear From Our Expert
Listen to Dr. Sumon Nandi, an orthopedic surgeon and Chief of Adult Reconstruction at the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Maryland Medical Center, discuss joint replacement surgery and rapid recovery on the Live Greater Podcast.
