What surgical joint replacement options are available to address osteoarthritis? | Ask the Expert: Orthopedics with Dave Stoll, PA-C, Utica Park Clinic

Spread the love

What surgical joint replacement options are available to address osteoarthritis?

The history of joint replacement surgery is extensive. These procedures have been around in some form since the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Early on, there were many complications and failures. Just like most evolving types of treatments, progress was made as a growing number of surgeons applied their experience and knowledge. Over the years, materials of components and techniques of surgery have been altered and refined to reach what we have to offer today.

When we think of joint replacements, we usually think of knee, hip and shoulder replacements. While the hip and knee replacements are the most common, there are also joint replacements for wrists, ankles and hand joints.

There are misconceptions of what actually occurs with a joint replacement. To over simplify things, the joint surface is removed and a prosthetic component is attached to the bone in place of the worn out or damaged cartilage. Not only does this replace the painful joint surfaces but it also re-aligns the joint to its proper position. These two aspects work together to provide a stable and pain-free joint.

While there are many manufacturers of total joints, each surgeon will have their preference as to what they feel works well for their patients. Locally in Owasso, Jon Orjala, DO, with whom I’m closely associated, performs many hip, knee, shoulder and hand joint replacements among other orthopedic procedures.

For total knee replacements, Dr. Orjala strongly recommends the I-total which is a custom made prosthesis for each individual patient. Precise measurements are taken and a total knee replacement is made for that specific patient. This allows for the minimum amount of bone to be taken away and results in quicker healing with greater range of motion of the knee. Dr. Orjala has his preferences for each of the other joint replacements as well.

He is one of only a few surgeons in the state of Oklahoma that is certified to perform the metal/plastic hand joint replacements. Previous to the development these types of hand joints, silicone replacements had been the “stand-by”. These replacements did not have the stability or longevity of the newer types of joints that are coming into practice.

Joint replacement surgery has come a long way since its inception. The materials and techniques used are reliable and patients are seeing excellent outcomes in response to these surgeries.

The first choice is to treat patients conservatively as stated in previous posts. However for those who have failed these approaches, joint replacement is a very reliable treatment to consider and discuss with your doctor.