__Your body didn’t come with spare parts. But that doesn’t mean damaged, worn-out joints can’t be replaced.
__Joint replacement surgery can relieve pain and restore movement to areas that have become sore and stiff because of injuries or conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
__Surgeons replace the damaged joint with a new high-tech version that’s made of plastic and metal components.
__The two most common joint replacement procedures are for the knees and hips. But replacements can be done for other joints as well, including shoulders, ankles, wrists, even fingers, says Abbott Kagan, M.D., of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Is Replacement for You?
__You’re probably the best judge of how joint pain is affecting your life and whether you’d benefit from replacement surgery.
__People should consider the benefit of surgery if pain is keeping them from the things they enjoy, such as walking or playing golf, Dr. Kagan says. You also might consider it if joint pain interferes with sleeping or doing daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and fixing meals.
Are There Risks?
__While there are risks in any surgery, joint replacements are successful in more than nine out of 10 people, the AAOS reports.
__And improvements in both surgical techniques and the materials used for artificial joints reduce the risk of problems, Dr. Kagan says.
Back in Business
__Generally, a doctor will want you to use your new joint soon after surgery. Once surrounding tissue and muscle recovers, you’ll be able to use the joint for normal activities.
__With their new knees or hips, most people return to walking or playing golf without any problems. More strenuous activities, such as tennis or running, may be discouraged since they can be hard on artificial joints.
__But you don’t necessarily have to rule out your favorite activity and should discuss the possibilities with your doctor. “We’re still getting information about how well newer joints stand up to different activities,” Dr. Kagan says.
Worth Asking__If you think you might benefit from joint replacement or if you have questions about it, talk to your doctor.
Life & Health
A Journal Devoted to Healthful Living
2005 Issue 4
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