Joint replacement surgery is a prosthetic implant placed by removing the damaged part of the shoulder, hip, knee or other joints in the body. This implant can be placed by removing the partial region i.e. the damaged part or by removing the complete joint. The degree of replacement, the type of procedure and the mode of recovery all depends on the type of the orthopedic procedure required.
At Swift Surgeries, we follow a minimally invasive approach of keeping surgical procedures as painless, least damaging and quick to recover, as possible. Therefore, our guide on signs you need a joint replacement surgery will help you determine whether or not you need to opt for a surgical solution for your bone/joint pain.
Fast Facts About Joint Replacements
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, since 2012 there have been over 3.1 million joint replacement surgeries completed in the United States of America.
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the number of hip and knee replacement surgeries completed has decreased in recent years due to continued extensive wait times for orthopedic surgeon consultations.
Joint replacements are elective surgeries meaning they are rarely emergency surgeries, can be scheduled in advance, and are typically not life-threatening, although statistics show joint replacements can significantly increase the quality of life.
Dr Molli at Swift Surgeries has successfully achieved over 10,000 joint replacement surgeries during his tenure.
Each patient has the ability to choose their surgeon even if a recommendation has been made by their primary care physician.
Concierge medicine has quickly become a preferred medical treatment process for patients across the world allowing them exceptional care, direct access to physicians, and expedited scheduling
Are you Contemplating A Joint Replacement?
As we navigate through life, our joints are subjected to the everyday wear and tear of activity, an activity that brings us joy, challenges, and sometimes, over time, pain. While some aches and stiffness might be manageable with conservative treatments, such as over the counter medications, physical therapy and injections, there comes a point for some individuals when non-surgical options no longer suffice.
Here are some signs that could indicate it might be time to consider scheduling your consultation with Swift Surgeries to determine if a joint replacement surgery is right for you.
- Chronic Pain: If you find yourself experiencing persistent joint pain, even while resting or during low-impact activities, it may be time to seek further evaluation. Pain that disrupts your daily life, prevents you from sleeping or limits your enjoyment of activities can indicate that your joint health has declined significantly.
- Reduced Mobility: Difficulty moving your joint or a noticeable decrease in range of motion can severely impact daily tasks, from walking and climbing stairs to simply enjoying hobbies. If your joint stiffness limits your ability to move comfortably and freely, joint replacement might be the answer.
- Ineffective Conservative Treatments: You’ve likely tried rest, physical therapy, medication, or injections in hopes of alleviating your symptoms. If these treatments provide only temporary relief and your condition worsens, it’s crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider about the possibility of surgery.
- Joint Deformity: Visible signs of joint deformity, such as swelling, bony lumps, or an unnatural position, may suggest underlying damage that needs professional intervention. These changes can also be indicators that the joint’s structural integrity has deteriorated.
- Swelling and Redness: If your joint is frequently swollen or red, it may be a sign of inflammation or degeneration. This can signify joint diseases like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that merit further evaluation to discuss surgical options.
- Difficulty with Daily Activities: If routine tasks such as dressing, bathing, or navigating around your home have become increasingly difficult due to joint pain, discussing surgery may become a priority. Quality of life is essential, and regaining independence can start with the right surgical intervention.
- Pain Spreading to Other Areas: If the pain in your joint is causing you to compensate, leading to discomfort in other areas (like your hips, back or neck), it may be time to address the root cause. A healthy joint can alleviate pain in surrounding structures and improve overall function.
- Age, Gender & Activity Level: Unfortunately, arthritis of the joint does not take preference to age, gender or activity level. Surgeons have operated on people in their 20s all the way through their 90’s. In addition, Olympic and professional athletes have also received joint replacement surgeries just like those who have never been active.
While studies show more women have joint replacement surgeries, that does not mean more women have arthritis of the joint. Arthritis is a genetic disorder meaning anyone is subject to arthritis. If you know a loved one who has undergone a joint replacement and you are looking for ways to strengthen your joints, call our office – our Swift Surgeries Wellness Team can help!
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with an orthopedic specialist who can guide you through the evaluation process. Our team at Swift Surgeries is accepting new patients and appointments can be scheduled as quickly as the same or the next day.
Remember, each patient’s case is unique, and the decision to seek joint replacement surgery is best made in conjunction with your healthcare provider. Prioritizing your joint health may lead to renewed mobility, less pain, and enhanced overall well-being, allowing you to reclaim the active lifestyle you love.
Risk Factors Involved in Joint Surgery
As with any surgery, there are risks that come from undergoing a joint replacement surgery. The team of experienced surgeons at Swift Surgeries have done extensive research and education on minimizing and lowering those risks. It is important at Swift Surgeries for our patients to be educated, supported, and confident in our team, process and individualized custom treatment plan.
In fact, Swift Surgeries has an entire team dedicated to working with every single patient on the assessment, intervention and treatment of any medical risks in advance of surgery. By identifying potential risks and actively addressing them, we see much better outcomes and extremely successful surgeries.
Benefits of A Joint Replacement Surgery
On the contrary, there are many benefits to undergoing a joint replacement surgery, beyond just pain relief. Patients are often extremely quick to comment on their overall happiness during and after recovery of a joint replacement surgery. At Swift Surgeries, we provide 24/7/365 access to our patients from the moment they become a patient, all the way through their 10 year annual follow up appointment.
Patients also report weight loss, improved quality of life, ability to travel, independence, and mental health improvement. Many of our patients are eager to ask how quickly they can return to their favorite activities such as golf, pickleball, tennis and walking!
Swift Surgeries encourages anyone who is unsure, considering, or needing a joint replacement to contact our team today to schedule a consultation. Appointments can be made as quickly as the same or the next day! Our team is eager to help bring joy, activity, and excitement back into your everyday life! Contact us today at 1-804-DR-MOLLI.