Joint replacement surgery is typically recommended for patients with advanced end stage joint disease (usually of the knee or the hip) who have tried non-surgical treatment, but still experience functional decline and disabling pain. Joint replacement is an extremely effective surgery when done at the right time and indication.
Modern joint replacement surgery involves removal of the worn cartilage from both sides of the joint, followed by resurfacing of the joint with a metal and plastic replacement implant that looks and functions much like your normal joint. Although nearly every joint in the body can be replaced, most replacement surgeries involve the hip or knee.
Over the last 30 years, improved surgical techniques and new implant materials have been developed, making total joint replacement one of the most reliable and durable procedures in any area of medicine.
Severe or “end-stage” arthritis can be caused by a variety of problems including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint problems, previous joint injuries and fractures, joint infections and other rare conditions such as osteonecrosis (also called avascular necrosis). All of these problems result in damage to the different structures in the joint and eventually lead to significant irreversible damage and dysfunctional joint.
Certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory types of arthritis may be best treated by a rheumatologist, who specializes in treatment of these disorders. More common joint problems like osteoarthritis are typically treated by a primary care doctor, rheumatologist, or orthopedic surgeon. When medical treatment for arthritis recommended by your doctor becomes less effective, joint replacement surgery may be an option for you. These professionals are better qualified to determine if joint replacement therapy is an appropriate treatment choice for you.
The definition of “appropriate” for total joint replacement surgery changes continuously. In general, there is no set upper age limit for joint replacement candidates. Instead, the decision is perhaps best made based on your general medical condition and fitness for surgery, and how much your arthritis affects your quality of life.
While few patients are in perfect health, most people undergoing joint replacement must be sufficiently healthy or medically “tuned up” to allow their surgery to be performed safely. Before joint replacement surgery, talk to your primary care doctor to ensure your health is good enough to undergo the anesthesia and rehabilitation associated with the surgery.
For nearly all patients, arthritis or other joint problems that are typically treated with joint replacement surgery can be diagnosed with simple x-rays. Other causes for hip or knee pain should be considered since referred back pain can be easily confused for pain associated with arthritis of the hip or knee, and pain from an arthritic hip can occasionally be referred to the knee. Inflammation of the soft tissue structures around the joint also can cause tendonitis or bursitis which can be confused with the pain associated with arthritis. A careful examination by your doctor and routine x-rays usually can determine the actual cause of your pain.
Your need for joint replacement surgery can be minimized by comprehensive medical treatment of your arthritis. Arthritis medications, exercise modification to low impact activities (e.g. swimming, walking, biking, etc.), weight loss, nutritional supplements, and joint injections can help you live with your arthritis for as long as possible. When these treatments are no longer effective and you experience pain as well as decrease in function, joint replacement surgery can relieve the pain and restore the quality of life lost due to arthritis.
Despite improvement in total joint replacement surgery, these operations are not likely to last a lifetime in young, active patients with arthritis. In some of these cases, joint preserving procedures such as osteotomies (removal of dead bone and repositioning of bone), joint debridement or “cleanouts,” and cartilage transplantation may be helpful in delaying joint replacement surgery.
Dr. Omkar is excellent Doctor. My 11 year old son fallen down while playing with both fracture wrist. Left hand wrist operation was so critical and 2-3 Doctors refused to do this operation but Dr. Omkar has given us hope and started the operation immediately after admitted my son at the SRV Hospital-Chembur. His study, observation and experience is too good. He is also a very helpful person as human being.
Dr. Omkar Sadigale is very knowledgeable. He diagnosed my wife’s ankle fracture correctly which other doctors could not do. He follows full ethical practices so you are assured that you are in safe hands. I would highly recommend Dr. Omkar Sadigale for any orthopedic or bone surgery related needs.
Best doctor I ever came across! SRV hospital rocks only because they have Dr. Omkar in their hospital as the best orthopedic!! Excellent guidance throughout and for any issues just a call away be it whatever time day or time blessed to have such Dr's whom we trust with our treatments and they don't let us down!
I had a toe fracture as I fell while parking my two wheeler. I was immediately taken to SRV hospital, Chembur under the care and treatment of doctor Omkar Sadigale. Thereafter everything was well handled and taken care by dr.Omkar. There was a small operation conducted on my toe to realign the fractured bones. Now I am fine and able to walk. He is one of the best orthopaedic in Mumbai.
My son has got hip and shoulder fractures due to conversion. I admitted him to SRV Chembur due to RTPCR positive. To be great humanity Dr. Omkar was there at that time in hospital. When I met him at that time I had confidence that I am at the right place. He checked my son and carried operation on the same day afternoon. during the operation, he boosts my morale...Read More
