JOINT REPLACEMENT: GettingYou Back to an Active Lifestyle

Severe joint pain can keep you from enjoying life to the fullest. But thanks to advances in less invasive joint replacement surgery, you can get back to an active lifestyle with less downtime than you might think.

“Advancements in materials, surgical techniques and implant design have revolutionized joint replacement surgery,” explained Dr. Matthew Pearl, an orthopedic surgeon, who focuses on hip and knee replacement at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land. “ These are highly successful procedures that can provide patients a new lease on life.”

Joints are the parts of the body where two bones meet, enabling movement and stability. If a joint is damaged, it can cause signifiant pain and limited mobility that can negatively impact the quality of life. Hip and knee replacements are the most commonly performed joint replacements, but replacement surgery can be performed on other joints as well, such as the ankle, wrist, shoulder and elbow.

Common reasons joint pain develops include:

1. Arthritis

2. Overweight or obesity

3. Past injury

Without treatment, joint pain gets worse over time. Having surgery can seem daunting, but the results can be life-changing. Advancements in technology and techniques have made joint replacement procedures much safer and more effective, with quicker recovery times.

Why Surgery Could Be Your Next Step

“Patients typically say they wish that they had not put off urgery for so long,” Pearl said. “Sometimes they hear it’s going to be too painful or recovery is too hard.”

Essentially, joint replacement is more like joint resurfacing. When a joint becomes worn out, the nerve endings in the bones become exposed, causing pain. The surgeon places a new surface on the end of the bones, like a cap, that is designed to cover up and protect the nerve endings.

“We are not removing your joint or a large section of it, but only what we need to and technology has allowed us to disrupt less soft tissue to perform joint replacement,” said Pearl. “Ths less invasive process reduces your pain during recovery.”

There are several reasons to consider joint replacement surgery, including:

1. L ong-lasting results. In many cases, people can enjoy improved joint function and relief for upwards of 20 years. Over 80% of patients who have undergone surgery are very happy with their knee replacement and would do it again.

2. Minimal recovery time. Advances in surgical techniques have led to the development of less invasive joint surgery options that offer quicker recovery times and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional surgery.

3. Increased activity. New technology and approaches make joint replacement outcomes feel more natural. Most patients who have joint replacement surgery can get back to low-impact activities, such as swimming or walking within four to six weeks.

Houston Methodist developed a Rapid Recovery Program to streamline healing after joint replacement surgery. Patients who are relatively healthy and have good family support are eligible to go home on the same day as the surgery. With telemedicine connectivity, patients can attend follow-up visits with their care team from the comfort of home.

For inpatient procedures, many patients are up and walking within hours after surgery. Whether you recover in the hospital or at home, your care team is dedicated to your success.

“ The components of a modern joint prosthesis are designed to mimic the shape and function of a natural joint, allowing for smooth movement and weight-bearing,” Pearl said. “However, it is important to have realistic expectations of what the procedure can achieve and to work closely with your health care team to achieve the best possible outcome.”

The sooner you talk to an orthopedic specialist about your persistent joint pain, the quicker you’ll be back to enjoying life to the fullest. •