Joint Reconstruction vs. Joint Replacement

Surviving a car accident or developing debilitating arthritis may leave you with chronic pain and mobility issues. Sometimes, it even takes a while for physical problems to appear after an injury.

Joint pain can make the simplest tasks difficult, such as walking, going up and down the stairs – even sitting. The good news is that you do not have to live with the pain. There are many treatment options available now for long-term relief from joint pain.

When it comes to surgical solutions to alleviate your joint pain, the two main options are joint reconstruction and joint replacement surgery. Which one is better for you is dependent on the location of the pain and its severity, as well as your age, weight, muscle strength, and flexibility. An orthopedic surgeon can diagnose your condition and recommend the best method to treat the pain in your joints.

Joint Reconstruction

Joint reconstruction surgery is the process of rebuilding part or all of the architecture of a joint. This type of operation ranges from repairing a portion of the joint to a total removal and replacement of the joint with prosthetic materials.

With joint reconstruction, the relief provided may only be temporary, but the recovery is usually shorter and easier; with a total joint replacement, relief is more long-lasting, and recovery takes more time. As with any surgery, the results also depend on the expertise of the orthopedic surgeon.

Some examples of reconstructive surgery of a joint are:

●      Ankle reconstruction

●      Elbow reconstruction

●      Hip reconstruction

●      Joint resurfacing

●      Knee reconstruction

●      Shoulder reconstruction

Joint Replacement Surgery

If the pain is severe and the joint is badly degraded or injured, the best way to get rid of joint pain for good may be to fully replace the joint itself. Joint replacement surgery is usually recommended for those who have severe joint injury or late-stage osteoarthritis. Surgery is recommended only if other nonsurgical options have failed to work.

Joint replacement surgery is usually performed on the hips, knees, and shoulders. The joints are replaced with prosthetic materials to match the original joints, engineered with metal and plastic parts that are designed to move just like regular joints. Barring any complications, joint replacement surgery usually provides pain relief for at least 10 years.

Joint reconstructive surgery and joint replacement surgery are proven to be safe, effective treatments for joint relief. After surgery, with adequate rehabilitative care, you should see a dramatic improvement in the functioning and feeling of your affected joint.

Orthopedic Specialists in St. Louis

If you would like a medical evaluation of your joint pain and you may need joint surgery, Advanced Bone & Joint provides superior surgical care. We are staffed with the best orthopedic physicians in Missouri, and we believe in treating our patients with compassion.

Our goal is to improve the quality of life of those who suffer from joint pain. We will create a personalized plan for you to help you get back to living a normal life.

If you are interested in learning more about our pain-relief services or our surgical skills, contact us today by calling (636) 229-4222. We look forward to helping you feel like new again.