Treatments
Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pain and regain motion in a damaged joint.
When conservative measures, including medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, are ineffective in treating significant hip pain and function loss, hip replacement surgery is often advised.
Types of hip replacement
Total knee replacement (TKR) is a surgery in which some or all parts of the damaged, diseased or worn bone and cartilage of the patient’s knee joint are replaced with an artificial joint to correct any leg deformities and relieve pain.
Approaches to total knee replacement
Shoulder arthroscopy is used to address issues such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, and labral tears. Surgeons can repair or reconstruct damaged structures within the shoulder joint.
Robot-assisted knee replacement surgery utilises computed navigation, 3D models of the knee and special robotic tools to perform both traditional, as well as minimally invasive knee replacement surgeries. The method offers several benefits including better precision, smaller incisions, quicker recovery, better fit of the knee joint and lesser wear and tear.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. Patients typically experience less pain, reduced scarring, and a quicker recovery time.
Conditions it can treat
Performed on
Patient guides
Who needs surgery, how each technique differs, and what to expect, for knee, hip and arthroscopy.
Hip replacement
When conservative measures, including medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, are ineffective in treating significant hip pain and function loss, hip replacement surgery is often advised. Typical ailments that could necessitate hip replacement surgery include:
An orthopaedic surgeon is often part of the healthcare team that decides whether you should have hip replacement surgery. This team will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and request imaging studies to assess the severity of joint damage.
A hip replacement surgery is extremely beneficial for patients with chronic hip pain and restricted mobility. Normally, such a patient will be in continuous pain and require a lifelong supply of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. With this surgery, one can avoid this and achieve painless mobility.
Based on your age, general health, and the severity of your hip joint injury, your surgeon will decide which hip replacement operation is best for you.
Knee replacement
Total knee replacement (TKR) is a surgery in which some or all parts of the damaged, diseased or worn bone and cartilage of the patient’s knee joint are replaced with an artificial joint to correct any leg deformities and relieve pain.
Severe knee damage resulting from an injury or conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, sitting or lying down painful and challenging. The doctor may recommend total knee replacement if options such as medications, injections, modification of activities or using walking supports do not help.
Total knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, knee resurfacing or knee replacement, is a procedure that helps repair an injured or damaged knee. Typically, in a total knee replacement, the bones forming the knee joint are capped with plastic or metal parts or a prosthetic (artificial) knee shaped as a joint is implanted. This helps relieve pain and allows the person to move their knee properly and resume their everyday activities.
2.5lakh
In India, over 2.5 lakh people undergo knee replacement surgery annually.
2.5×
In the last five years, the number of knee surgeries has increased by 2.5 times.
There are many different types of total knee replacement surgeries including:
8–10 inch incision
This technique uses an 8–10 inch incision. In the traditional TKR, the quadriceps tendon is cut into and the kneecap is turned over to expose the knee joint. This technique takes around 3–5 days of recovery in the hospital.
4–6 inch incision
In this technique, the incision made is much smaller, around 4–6 inches, which requires lesser cutting of the ligaments and tendons and, thus, lesser blood loss, trauma to the tissue and post-operative pain, quicker recovery and a shorter hospital stay.
Computed navigation & 3D models
Robot-assisted knee replacement surgery utilises computed navigation, 3D models of the knee and special robotic tools to perform both traditional, as well as minimally invasive knee replacement surgeries. The method offers several benefits including better precision, smaller incisions, quicker recovery, better fit of the knee joint and lesser wear and tear.
Typically, total knee replacement surgery is recommended for people having:
Arthroscopy & sports medicine
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. The term “arthroscopy” comes from the Greek words “arthro,” meaning joint, and “skopein,” meaning to look. During the procedure, a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted into the joint through a tiny incision. This camera transmits images to a monitor, enabling the surgeon to see the joint’s interior in real-time.
The primary purpose of arthroscopy is to provide a clear view of the joint structures, which can help in diagnosing various conditions. It is commonly performed on joints such as the knee, shoulder, ankle, hip, and wrist. The procedure can also be therapeutic, allowing surgeons to perform repairs or remove damaged tissue, such as torn cartilage or loose bone fragments.
Arthroscopy is often preferred over traditional open surgery due to its minimally invasive nature. Patients typically experience less pain, reduced scarring, and a quicker recovery time. The procedure can treat a variety of conditions, including:
By using arthroscopy, surgeons can address these issues with precision, leading to improved outcomes for patients.
Arthroscopy is typically recommended when a patient experiences persistent joint pain, swelling, or limited range of motion that does not improve with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or rest. The symptoms that may lead to the recommendation of an arthroscopy include:
In many cases, patients may have undergone imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, which reveal abnormalities in the joint. However, these tests may not provide a complete picture of the joint’s condition. Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to directly visualize the joint and make a more accurate diagnosis.
The decision to proceed with arthroscopy is often based on the severity of the symptoms, the patient’s overall health, and the specific joint involved. For example, athletes or active individuals may be more likely to opt for arthroscopy to expedite recovery and return to their activities.
Several clinical situations and diagnostic findings can indicate the need for arthroscopy. These include:
The decision to undergo arthroscopy is made collaboratively between the patient and the orthopedic surgeon, taking into account the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and overall health.
While arthroscopy is a singular procedure, it can be performed on various joints, each with specific techniques tailored to the joint being treated. Here are some common types of arthroscopy based on the joint involved:
This is one of the most common types of arthroscopy. It is often used to treat meniscus tears, ACL injuries, and cartilage damage. The procedure can involve repairing or removing damaged tissue and is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
This procedure is used to address issues such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, and labral tears. Surgeons can repair or reconstruct damaged structures within the shoulder joint.
Ankle arthroscopy is performed to treat conditions like ankle impingement, ligament injuries, and loose bodies. It allows for precise treatment of the ankle joint with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
This type of arthroscopy is used to treat hip labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement, and other hip joint issues. It is less common than knee or shoulder arthroscopy but can be highly effective.
Wrist arthroscopy is performed to diagnose and treat conditions such as wrist ligament injuries, ganglion cysts, and cartilage damage. It provides a clear view of the intricate structures within the wrist.
Each type of arthroscopy has its specific indications and techniques, but the overarching goal remains the same: to provide effective treatment with minimal invasiveness.
While arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide significant benefits for many patients, there are certain conditions and factors that may make a patient unsuitable for this type of surgery. Understanding these contraindications is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to ensure safety and optimal outcomes.
By identifying these contraindications, healthcare providers can better assess a patient’s suitability for arthroscopy and recommend alternative treatments when necessary.
Arthroscopy is a valuable tool in modern orthopedic surgery, offering patients a less invasive option for diagnosing and treating joint conditions. With its ability to provide clear visualization of joint structures and facilitate targeted interventions, arthroscopy has become a preferred choice for many orthopedic surgeons and their patients.
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