What you need to know about:

Joint Preservation Surgery

Fast Fact

90%

Worth It Rating

Average Cost:

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Recovery Period:

5-6 weeks or more

Permanence:

10 to 15 years

177

Doctors

Time it takes:

1.5 hours for a hip and 2 hours for a knee

Hospitals & Clinics

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Anesthetize:

General Anesthesia

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Overview of

Joint Preservation Surgery

in Thailand

Joint preservation surgery refers to the surgical means to preserve a deteriorating joint in order to delay or avoid joint replacement surgery. An arthritic joint surface is usually replaced with a metal, plastic or ceramic device called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint, and more importantly, provide pain relief.

Goals of

Joint Preservation Surgery

The goals of joint preservation surgery are to repair any bone damage and reconnect any broken bones or torn ligaments, delay and minimize joint degeneration, reduce pain, increase function and avoid joint replacements in appropriate patients.

Price of

Joint Preservation Surgery

Average Cost

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Price Range

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Pros and cons of

Joint Preservation Surgery

Pros

One advantage of the procedure is that, by preserving your own knee anatomy, a successful osteotomy may delay the need for a joint replacement for several years. Another advantage is that there are no restrictions on physical activities after an osteotomy—you will be able to participate in your favorite activities, even high-impact exercise.

Cons

Pain relief is not as predictable compared with a partial or total knee replacement Recovery from osteotomy is typically longer and more difficult because you may not be able to bear weight on your operated knee right away. In some cases, having had an osteotomy can make later knee replacement surgery more challenging.

How it works:

Joint Preservation Surgery

Surgical joint preservation techniques include: Osteotomy: The surgical procedure that either lengthen, shorten or straighten a bone to repair a damaged joint. This procedure can help postponing hip or knee replacement for many years. Cartilage restoration procedure: Articular cartilage can be damaged by injury or normal wear and tear. When it is damaged or worn away, the affected joint becomes still, painful and has limited range of motion. Restoring articular cartilage can relieve pain, increase function and can delay or prevent the onset of arthritis. Surgical techniques to restore damaged cartilage are usually done arthroscopically. Therefore, recovery procedure is quicker and less painful than a traditional, open surgery.

Preparation before

Joint Preservation Surgery

Pre - treatment

Before your procedure, a doctor from the anesthesia department will evaluate you. He or she will review your medical history and discuss anesthesia choices with you. Anesthesia can be either general (you are put to sleep) or spinal (you are awake, but your body is numb from the waist down)

Recovery after

Joint Preservation Surgery

Post - treatment

Hospital discharge. In most cases, patients go home 1 to 2 days after an osteotomy. Pain management. After surgery, you will feel some pain, but your surgeon and nurses will make every effort to help you feel as comfortable as possible. Many types of pain medication are available to help control pain, including opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and local anesthetics. Treating pain with medications can help you feel more comfortable, which will help your body heal faster and recover from surgery faster. Opioids can provide excellent pain relief, however, they are a narcotic and can be addictive. It is important to use opioids only as directed by your doctor. You should stop taking these medications as soon as your pain starts to improve. Weight bearing. After the operation, you will most likely need to use crutches for several weeks. Your surgeon may also put your knee in a brace or cast for protection while the bone heals. Your surgeon will give you instructions about when weight bearing can begin. Rehabilitation exercises. During rehabilitation, a physical therapist will give you exercises to help maintain range of motion in your knee and restore your strength. You may be able to resume your full activities 3 to 6 months after surgery.

Risks & side effects

Infection

Blood clots

Stiffness of the knee joint

Injuries to vessels and nerves

Failure to heal

FAQs:

Joint Preservation Surgery

Who is a suitable candidate for the procedure?

Knee osteotomy is most effective for thin, active patients who are less than 60 years old. Good candidates have pain on only one side of the knee, and no pain under the kneecap. Knee pain should be brought on mostly by activity, as well as by standing for a long period of time. Candidates should be able to fully straighten the knee and bend it at least 90 degrees. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are not good candidates for osteotomy. Your orthopaedic surgeon will help you determine whether a knee osteotomy is suited for you.

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What diagnostic tools can help determine whether I need joint preservation surgery or not?‍

To diagnose your condition, your doctor will ask you a series of questions about your past and current health and perform a physical exam. To best determine the cause of your joint pain and find the right treatment, one of the following techniques will be used:

X-ray (radiograph)—This is typically the first technique used in any joint injury. It involves sending radiation through the affected area of the body. The bone then absorbs the radiation and provides doctors with a black and white image that will display any breaks or fractures. This is always done first to determine the health of the bones in the joint.

Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan)—A CAT scan combines X-ray technology with computer technology to generate a three-dimensional image of the bone and tissues in the area. This can give a better image of the problem.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—This imaging procedure puts you in a vessel. Here, magnetic waves are moved around you, creating vibrations. The resonance from these vibrations is then turned into an image, which allows the doctor to see skeletal structures as well as blood vessels and tissues.

Arthroscopy—This procedure allows the doctor to make a small incision and place a camera inside the area of the injury to get more detail. This is usually done in conjunction with surgery, as it requires anesthesia.

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