$Unique_ID{BRK01434}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Joint Replacement Operation}
$Subject{arthritis joints replacement surgery musculoskeletal system tissues
connective tissue operation joint operations replacements treatment special
procedure procedures surgeries}
$Volume{M-17,P-17}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Joint Replacement Operation


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QUESTION:  Arthritis of the knee has become a bit more than I can cope with
these days, and my family physician has set me to thinking about an operation
to give me a new one.  It sounds like a tremendous operation to me, but I
wonder if it is the right thing for me.  I know this is a hard question for
you to answer, but could you give me enough information to help me make a wise
decision?

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ANSWER:  It certainly is a tremendous operation, and a most wondrous one as
well.  The development of operations which permit skilled surgeons to replace
a joint destroyed by disease is one of the most important developments in the
care and treatment of arthritis to have come along in the last two decades.
With operations of the hip and knee topping the list, joint replacements
including as well the shoulder, elbow, finger and wrist joints total well over
1/2 million annually.  You should weigh many factors, with pain being the
primary consideration.  If the pain in your knee is so great that it disturbs
sleep, or makes your every day activities difficult or impossible, you are
probably a good candidate.  Other considerations include the ability to carry
on your job or occupation, and whether the quality of your life is jeopardized
to the point where continuing in the present state is more than you wish to
bear.  Meanwhile your physician has thought about your type of arthritis,
whether or not this operation can or will help, and if your present medical
condition permits this operation.  To my mind, the fact that he has asked you
to think about it means that he feels you will profit from the experience.  If
you do chose this type of treatment, you should exercise care in choosing a
surgeon skilled in the procedure, and an institution where these operations
are routine.  Planning the operation may take some time, and you probably will
undergo preadmission testing and evaluation about 10 days before actual
admission.  You may even be asked to donate your own blood, which will then be
stored and given back to you at the time of surgery.  After the operation,
look forward to a period of rehabilitation and physical therapy, to help get
you up and running in style.  Good luck.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.