Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, and can cause disability. For patients with advanced-stage arthritis who are unable to complete the smallest of tasks without experiencing a worsening of symptoms may find relief from surgery. Orthopedic surgeons will typically exhaust all methods of conservative treatment before recommending arthritis surgery, which has a high satisfaction rate. After participating in a rehabilitation program and making a full recovery, patients experience great relief from pain and improved joint function.
There are different types of surgery for arthritis. It is important to learn about the surgery and discuss any concerns you may have about the procedure with your orthopedic surgeon. Ultimately, you have to decide whether to have surgery or not. Let’s talk about the surgeries used to treat arthritis.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a highly advanced, minimally-invasive procedure usually recommended to arthritis patients over the age of 40. It involves small incisions and miniature instruments to fix tears in the soft tissues of the joint. Arthroscopy is primarily used to remove loose debris, trim and smooth out cartilage, and inflamed synovial tissue and other causes of inflammation. Arthroscopy is often used for patients with knee, hip, and shoulder arthritis but can be used on other joints, as well. The procedure may be recommended by a surgeon before embarking on more invasive surgery for arthritis.
Joint Resurfacing
Joint resurfacing is a procedure that replaces a compartment of a joint with an implant, usually on the outer part of the joint, and the patient keeps much of their own bone. The procedure is usually used on the hip and knee and is recommended to younger patients under 50. Joint resurfacing allows patients to return to physically demanding jobs or participate in high-impact sports.
Total Joint Arthroplasty
Also called total joint replacement surgery, total joint arthroplasty is recommended to arthritis patients with severe joint damage. During the procedure, the surgeon replaces the damaged joint with an implant made of metal, ceramic, and plastic. The best candidates for this surgery are patients who are not obese, do not have osteoporosis, and have not found relief with conservative and minimally-invasive treatment methods. Total joint arthroplasty has a high success and satisfaction rate and can improve patient quality of life.
Minimally-Invasive Arthroplasty
A joint replacement surgery may be performed with minimum invasion by using tiny incisions to access the joint. With reduced disturbance to healthy tissue, there is less postoperative pain and bleeding and fewer complications. Patients also recover faster. Minimally-invasive joint replacement can be performed in an outpatient setting.
Orthopedic Surgeon in Clinton Township
No longer want to experience debilitating pain? Have the orthopedic specialists at Movement Orthopedics evaluate your condition and determine the most suitable procedure for relief and restoration of joint function. Our orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Carroll, is an expert in state-of-the-art treatments for arthritis, including minimally-invasive surgeries. He will explain to you the benefits and risks of each procedure and what to expect before, during, and after it.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Carroll, call our clinic at (586) 436-3785 or use our online appointment request form.
