The Latest in Joint Replacements Joint replacements have been in existence for some time, and each year it seems there are improvements. The day may come that a body can have multiple joint replacements, and actually be better off than they were before an injury. Remember the six-million-dollar man? The latest advancements The materiel’s used for joint replacements are now more durable and long lasting than ever before. This is good for the patient because it means the joint material will last a longer period of time, reducing the need for a replacement. The introduction of computer assist programs have made it much more of an accurate placement process when positioning an artificial joint. Medications are now more widely available to counteract the chances of the body rejecting the implanted joint. With the advances of laparoscopic surgery, some hospitals are now making outpatient surgery available for certain joint replacement procedures. In some instances, a patient can check in for a knee replacement, and check out later that same day with a new knee. Related: 5 Things to Expect on a New Year's Eve Shift A program in Europe is becoming popular with many, and is known as drive thru replacement surgery. The patient visits a clinic and checks into a room. The surgeon that is doing the actual procedure is working at a remote location, and performs the operation via computer and robotic arms. There are several attendants in the room as the procedure is done, so if there is a problem that needs attention someone is always available. The tele-surgeon is able to perform multiple operations in a given day, as there is no prep work, or scrubbing involved. For the patient this is beneficial, less recovery time is involved, and less time away from home and work. Minimally-Invasive Knee Replacement Over the recent years, the traditional knee replacement surgery has been replaced by minimally invasive surgery. This is much easier on the patient, and there is less down time involved following the procedure. The traditional way to provide knee replacement surgery was to make an incision, approximately 8� directly over the knee. This surgery involves a hospital stay of approximately 3-5 days, followed by possible time in a rehabilitation facility. The complete recovery from traditional surgery is 3 months, and it is suggested that rehabilitation therapy continue during the
healing process. Once the recovery is complete, most patients report substantial relief from discomfort of the knee. Minimally-invasive is less intrusive. The incision for this type of knee replacement is usually 3-4 inches in length. The minimal surgery avoids injury to the quadriceps muscles, which creates much less trauma to the knee. Most patients are able to walk with a cane in 4-5 days, and are considered fully recovered in 5-6 weeks. Less rehabilitation therapy is involved in this type of surgery, which is obviously the preferred choice of insurance companies. Patients that are hospitalized with minimally invasive joint replacement surgery will have considerably less pain than patients that underwent traditional replacement surgeries. Patients should be encouraged to keep their joint mobile during their hospital stay. If the patient is not able to stand with the assistance of a walker, they should exercise and practice mobility in bed. Foot pumps can eliminate the concern for blood clots, and keep blood flowing freely to assist in the healing process. The sooner the patient can regain mobility, the faster the healing process. Related: How to Properly Express a Complaint at Work Patients that plan to undergo any type of joint replacement surgery should follow some guidelines prior to surgery to ensure a speedy recovery following surgery. -
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Lose weight prior to surgery, the less extra weight carried, the better on the new joint. Keep the joint mobile and active prior to surgery. Stiffness will make the healing process slower, while a more active and regularly exercised joint will heal faster. Make sure good nutrition is practiced. A balanced diet with plenty of calcium to heal bones and joints will help the healing process.
Joint replacement pain can range from mild/moderate to painful; however pain should subside within the first few days. The main consideration after joint replacement surgery is mobility. Encourage patients to re-gain mobility as soon as possible, and recovery will soon follow. Related: Skilled Registered Nurse, Certified Hospice Nurse and Certified Legal Nurse Consultant Lucinda Perkins, RN, will be Spotlighted in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter