Joint Replacement Surgery Specialist

What is Joint Replacement Surgery?

While joint replacement may conjure up images of bionic parts, the reality is not far off (minus the extra bionic strength). Most joint replacement is done using plastic, ceramic, and metal parts that are integrated into your existing musculoskeletal structure and mimic your joints in every way. The new joint is designed to replace the damaged cartilage and bone in your joint.

Why Would I Need Joint Replacement Surgery?

There are many reasons why the doctors at South Texas Spinal Clinic might recommend joint replacement, including if you suffer from:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Other degenerative disorders
• Repetitive use injuries
• Acute trauma
• Structural defects

Whatever the reason behind the joint problem, the doctors turn to joint replacement surgery when your joint is causing you persistent pain, and you’ve lost considerable mobility and strength.

Joint replacement surgery is only a solution for when other treatments, such as physical therapy, don’t provide you with any relief or restored mobility.

What Joints Can Be Replaced?

The following are the most common joint replacement surgeries the doctors at South Texas Spinal Clinic perform:

• Hip Replacement: In a hip replacement surgery, the surgeon replaces your damaged bone and cartilage with a metal and plastic ball-and-socket joint. To do this, he removes the head of your femur and replaces it with a metal stem and ball. He then removes the damaged cartilage in your socket and replaces it with a metal socket. Finally, the surgeon places a plastic spacer between the new ball and socket for easy movement.
• Knee Replacement: When replacing your knee, the surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and the ends of your tibia and femur. He then places new metal surfaces on the ends of these bones, separates them with a plastic spacer, and resurfaces your patella, if necessary.
• Shoulder Replacement: There are several types of replacement surgeries when it comes to your shoulders. Some replace the entire ball-and-socket joint, while others may only replace or resurface one part of the joint. There’s also a reverse shoulder replacement option, where the surgeon reverses the ball and socket locations.

Besides the surgeries listed above, the surgeons can also replace your wrist or elbow, though these are far less common. The doctors discuss all of your options with you to choose the one that’s best for you.

To learn more about your range of options for joint replacement surgery, call South Texas Spinal Clinic or schedule an appointment online using the booking tool.