You may have thought about joint replacement surgery if you have recurring or chronic joint pain. However, joint replacement is not your only option for relief; your doctor may recommend exploring several minimally invasive options first to help you maintain your mobility. There are various joint preservation Cumming non-surgical or surgical treatments that can help delay or avoid joint replacement surgery. Examples of joint preservation procedures include:
Knee osteotomy
Knee osteotomy or knee realignment surgery can significantly delay or eliminate the need for knee replacement surgery. This procedure takes the pressure off the damaged knee by cutting into the bone using precise measurements. The surgeon pulls the bone slightly apart and realigns it into the right position using a metal plate and pins. Full rehabilitation takes six to 12 weeks, but most people can bear weight within 24 hours after the procedure. You can return to work after six weeks, but you may need to wait longer if your job is highly active or involves manual labor. Following an osteotomy, many people have resumed normal activities and regained fitness levels.
Comprehensive arthroscopic management of the shoulder (CAM)
Young patients with advanced arthritis of the shoulder can benefit from this procedure. Comprehensive arthroscopic management aims to alleviate pain and stiffness, improve function, and delay the need for shoulder replacement. During this procedure, the surgeon first removes loose and damaged tissue surrounding the arthritic shoulder joint. Next, the surgeon removes any scarred ligament or tissue to free the articular capsule, restoring mobility. The third step involves removing bone spurs and scar tissues to release the trapped axillary nerve and alleviate pain.
Comprehensive arthroscopic management uses minimally invasive techniques, so the recovery period is shorter than with joint replacement surgery. The incision sites will heal, and surgical pain will improve within two weeks after the procedure. You may need physiotherapy afterward to regain the function of your shoulder joint; this usually takes six to 12 weeks.
Knee joint distraction
Joint distraction is a minimally invasive joint preservation surgery that uses the body’s natural healing to repair damaged cartilage. It is particularly helpful for younger patients with knee osteoarthritis who are not suitable for joint replacement because of age. During this procedure, your doctor fixes an external frame with two adjustable tubes across the joint. After connecting the frame to the knee joints using pins, leaving small wounds on the surface, the surgeon pulls apart (distracts) the joint’s bones by 2 millimeters.
Walking within the frame using crutches may be uncomfortable for the first three to five days, but you will get used to it within six weeks. The frame is removed while under general anesthesia but on an outpatient basis. Afterward, you will work with a physiotherapist; they will advise you on weight-bearing and walking exercises to help you bear your full weight. Based on clinical results, knee joint destruction offers immediate pain reduction, lasting more than five years.
If you have chronic joint pain, consult your doctor at Stephen Fisher, M.D., to know if you are a good candidate for joint preservation procedures.