McLEOD ORTHOPEDIC
SURGEON BREAKS DOWN
TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT
Rodney K. Alan, MD I
McLeod Orthopaedics
T
otal joint replacement is considered one
of the most successful procedures in
medicine. Multiple studies indicate that
joint replacement relieves pain, improves function, and
enhances the quality of life in people with end-stage arthritis. From a surgeon’s perspective, excellent results
are achieved when a patient has decreased pain and
function following surgery.
For the best results following a total joint replacement,
patients need a thorough understanding of factors
associated with good outcomes before they have
surgery.
The single most important factor for a good outcome
after joint replacement is ensuring that every patient is
appropriate for the surgery. The presence of joint pain,
or the presence of arthritis, does not always mean it
is time for joint replacement. Total joint replacement
is recommended for end-stage arthritis. End-stage
arthritis usually means joint deterioration to the point
where the cartilage is completely worn away and bone is
in contact with bone. Many people have joint pain due to
tendonitis or peripheral neuropathy. Chronic tendonitis
and neuropathy are not improved by joint replacement.
Patient satisfaction after joint replacement is highly correlated to post-operative pain relief. Pain after
surgery is one of the main reasons why patients delay
joint replacement.
Several steps can be taken to alleviate pain:
Know what to expect. Almost all patients will need
a strong pain medication following joint replacement
surgery. The true effectiveness of joint replacement
can only be addressed after you have fully recovered.
Understand that joint replacement is a major surgery.
Terms such as “minimally invasive” can be confusing.
Recovery after surgery may take three to six months.
It is a normal part of the healing process for the
tissues near the surgery site to be tender, warm, red, and
swollen.
Discuss pain management with your doctor before
surgery. Share with your doctor any pain medications that are taken on a regular basis and, if you had
surgery in the past, what pain medications worked well.
Also ask your doctor about the risks and common side
effects of pain medications, and what measures can be
taken to limit any risks and side effects.
All patients do not recover at the same rate following
joint replacement. Patients often compare themselves
to other joint replacement patients which can lead to
dissatisfaction. Some factors which affect recovery
after joint replacement are weight, activity level prior
to joint replacement, dependence on pain medicines
prior to surgery, musculoskeletal conditions affecting
other joints, and other medical conditions. For example,
someone who is overweight and has diabetes and
is dependent on pain relievers before surgery may
not recover as fast as an active patient with isolated
osteoarthritis.
Returning to activities is the most gratifying part of
life after joint replacement. Generally, all facets of life
are improved when pain is improved. When medically
necessary, hip and knee replacement is well suited
for the majority of activities of older adults. If you are
able to work prior to joint replacement, a successful
outcome should enable you to return to work. Sedentary
workers return to work sooner, while those with
physically demanding jobs may take a little longer.
Ideal recreational activities after joint replacement
include walking, cycling, low impact aerobics, golf,
swimming, doubles tennis, and dancing. Activities that
are not recommended are sports that involve running
or changing directions rapidly.
In patients with advanced arthritic disease, joint
replacement has proven to be a reliable and successful
intervention with good outcomes. Typically, life after
joint replacement is better than life with joint pain due
to severe arthritis. If you experience joint pain, talk to
an orthopedic surgeon to find out if joint replacement
is right for you.
Lunch and Learn: Life After Join Replacement
with Dr. Rodney Alan, Orthopedic Surgeon
November 18, 2015 • 12:30pm
McLeod Health & Fitness Center • Florence, SC
Call 843-777-2005 to register. Space is limited.
Dr. Rodney Alan is an Orthopaedic Surgeon with McLeod Orthopaedics. Dr. Alan and his wife, Dr. Carol Alan, an OB/GYN
with Carolina Women’s Specialists, have three daughters. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan, call McLeod
Orthopedics at 843-777-7900.
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NOVEMBER 2015
SHEMAGAZINE.COM