Thursday, April 11, 2013

Chapel Hill Elder Care - What is Arthroplasty?

By:  Todd Palmer

Chapel Hill Elder Care - Harold, a senior care professional in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has assisted numerous elderly individuals and their families through a wide range of orthopedic surgeries. From shoulders to knees and everything in between, the joints of the body are frequently in need of repair once individuals reach a certain age. Arthroplasty is a common surgery that aims to alleviate pain and restore a wider range of motion through the reconstruction or realignment of the joints. Here, Harold shares some insight regarding arthroplasty and how it is used in the medical field.[1]

  • Joint resection is one of multiple types of arthroplastic surgery. This particular form of the operation removes bone that limits range of motion.
  • Interpositional reconstruction is an orthopedic operation that reshapes the joint. To assist in doing so, surgeons insert a prosthetic between the bones to allow from better movement.
  • Total joint arthroplasty, or joint replacement, is a common procedure for the hips and knees. This entails completely replacing the joint if interpositional reconstruction either fails to achieve the desired results or is not an option; however, this particular procedure is often only performed on individuals or are 60 years old or older.
  • Individuals who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are frequently advised to undergo this form of orthopedic surgery.
  • After arthroplasty is performed it is imperative that individuals restrain from over-exercising or stressing the joint in order for it to heal properly. Seniors will be advised to partner with a physical therapist to ensure that they are exercising the joint enough to regain range of motion but not so much as to cause further damage.
  • As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved in arthroplasty. Individuals who are considering this orthopedic operation are highly encouraged to speak with their doctors regarding the details of the procedure and whether or not it is the best option for your loved one.

Harold knows that orthopedic surgery is not always easy for seniors to face; however, with your support and the guidance of an experienced, knowledgeable medical team, your loved one can more confidently undergo and recover from arthroplasty.



[1] http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/arthroplasty

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