Joint Replacement Surgery is a medical technique that aims at helping patients suffering from chronic joint injuries or joint degeneration. An injury may be the result of an accident or an underlying medical condition. The surgery is carried out under the influence of anaesthesia. It involves the use of artificial grafts made up of plastic, metal, or ceramics which resemble the original joint. The surgery can help the patient to get rid of the pain and enhance the range of motion of the joint which was restricted earlier due to the orthopaedic problems. Joint Replacement Surgery is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures that can be performed on adults.

The surgery can be of two types:

• Partial Joint Replacement (replacement of only one part of the joint)
• Total Joint Replacement (replacement of the complete joint)

Joint Replacement Surgery is generally recommended for patients with chronic joint problems that are beyond repair and surgery is usually a last form of treatment for them. It is helpful in treating patients suffering from conditions like Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, especially when the patient experiences:

• Difficulty in moving the affected area.
• Moderate pain even while lying down.
• Severe stiffness in the affected joint and the areas surrounding it
• Lack of results from other treatment options like medication and physiotherapy

Some of the major conditions treated under Joint Replacement Surgery are:

• Joint pain
• Deformity
• Patient’s mobility
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteonecrosis/ avascular necrosis
• Previous joint injuries
• Joint fractures
• Joint infections
• Other inflammatory joint problems

The following steps are usually recommended for patients to prepare them for Joint Replacement Surgery:

• It is not only the surgery which is important; one must also follow the required guidelines, prior to the surgery.
• The surgery is quite complicated; therefore, the patient must be prepared for the procedure both physically and mentally.
• It is very important to get in shape by shedding those extra kilos as they can put excessive strain on the affected joint after the surgery
• Discuss the whole procedure with the  doctor including information about possible complications
• Start physiotherapy as it will help to reduce the inflammation and swelling, making it easier for the doctors to perform the surgery.
• Take all the medicine prescribed by the doctor as this helps to negate the possibility of infection during or after the surgery.
• Since the surgery involves loss of blood, it is better to bank blood beforehand.

The important precautionary measures one must consider before and after the surgery are:

Before the surgery:

• Quit smoking
• Abstain from eating unhealthy food to avoid unnecessary weight gain.
• Abstain from smoking and drinking as these can hinder the healing procedure later on.
• Do not take any medication without a prescription.
• Do not exert to perform activities that can cause pain or discomfort.

After the surgery:

• Avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Avoid indulging in rigorous physical activities
• Do not keep the wound open.
• Avoid unnecessary movement of the affected joint.
• Avoid smoking and drinking.
• Do not take part in sports without consulting your doctor.