Why Do People Need Knee and Hip Replacements?

Knee and hip replacements are two specific examples of joint replacement surgeries. People need joint replacement surgery when the joint becomes immovable and chronically painful. It impacts the affected person’s life negatively; they cannot even walk a few steps or climb a few stairs. As a result, they have to lead a sedentary lifestyle. 

There are various reasons for knee or hip dysfunction. More than one condition can damage the joint and lead to function impairment. Continue to read this article to learn more about the causes of hip and knee joint dysfunction (why do we need a joint replacement) and replacement surgeries.

Causes of Knee and Hip Dysfunction

The knee and the hip are two different types of joints. The former is a hinge joint while the latter is a ball-and-socket joint. The following conditions cause damage to the knee and hip and lead to excruciating pain and complete immobility over time.

Osteoarthritis

It is a form of arthritis that starts when articular cartilage starts damaging due to overuse. Damaged cartilage leads to stiffness and the bone ends in the joint rub against each other during movement. As a result, bone spurs form on the bone edges, making the joint painful and unable to function properly. 

Cartilage is soft tissue found over bone ends in the joint, including the knee and the hip.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is another form of arthritis that affects the knee and hip alike. RA is an autoimmune condition. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining. This attack leads to chronic inflammation of the joint lining, called synovitis. If the condition isn’t controlled on time, it will damage the affected joint completely.

RA causes inflammation in more than one joint at the same time throughout the body. However, the condition can be controlled like diabetes. In the wake of widespread joint pain in your body like both knees, hips, elbows, etc, consult an orthopedist. Control symptoms for further damage to the joints.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Sometimes, the knee or the hip can get involved in some accident and sustain damage. People often ignore it and take painkillers to cope with the pain and post-injury discomfort. It leads to arthritic issues over time. The condition is normally known as post-traumatic arthritis.

Fracture

An intense fracture in the bones of a joint is also a powerful factor for dysfunction and disability. For example, if the ball part of the hip gets fractured or totally crushed, the hip will become excruciatingly painful while moving. Similarly, fractures can also cause knee disability.

Osteonecrosis

Bone tissue dies when enough blood doesn’t reach it. The condition is called osteonecrosis. This condition normally occurs in the ball part of the hip. The ball collapses and makes the hip joint unable to move. It is a painful and uncomfortable hip condition. 

Injury, prolonged consumption of steroids, obesity, excessive alcohol, smoking etc, all contribute to the development of osteonecrosis. Sometimes, it can also occur due to an unknown reason. In that case, it is called idiopathic osteonecrosis. 

Idiopathic means the exact origin of a diseased condition is not known.

Deformities

Some people have deformed joints that cause disability and pain. Talking about hip deformities, sometimes, the hip ball is not in proper shape and thus doesn't fit the socket while other times, it is the opposite. The ball is correct but the socket is deformed. Furthermore, both can also be abnormal and thus don’t fit each other.    

Similarly, there are knee deformities like knock-knee, bow-leggedness, etc. 

These deformities can be by birth or develop during growth years. These deformities can also cause a considerable amount of discomfort and physical disability. 

These are the reasons why people need knee and hip replacements. It is to restore the function of the damaged or deformed joint and thus lead a life that is pain-free and full of independence. 

These surgical interventions are only recommended when joint conditions cannot be fixed with conventional treatment options like medications, physiotherapy, biologics, etc.

Symptoms

Various conditions affect the knee and hip differently. Symptoms vary as per the prevailing condition. 

Under Osteoarthritis, the dominant symptoms are stiffness and extreme pain during motion. It happens because bones rub against each other. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis or RA affects the joints by inflaming the joint lining or the synovial membrane. As a result, the joint feels inflamed, swollen and warm, which are the major symptoms of RA.    

Furthermore, joint fractures cause extreme pain and immobility. 

Deformities initially might cause mild pain and seem manageable. However, the situation worsens over time and causes permanent disability if it isn't treated on time. 

Pain, immobility and inflammation are the three most common symptoms that appear in all joint conditions. 

To connect with the best hip surgeon, visit the following link: hip replacement doctor in India.

Diagnosis

To examine the knee and hip conditions before replacements, the doctors can use any of the following imaging tests: 

●      X-ray

●      MRI

●      CT scan  

However, if the doctor wants, blood tests and synovial fluid analysis can also be recommended.

Knee And Hip Replacement Surgeries And Types

Whether for the knee or the hip, a joint replacement always involves removing the damaged joint parts and then resurfacing them with an implant. This eliminates chronic pain and improves function. The person can live a pain-free and active life once again. 

There are 2 types of joint replacements: total and partial. When the entire joint is damaged and needs surgery, it is called total replacement surgery. When the joint is partially damaged, it needs partial joint replacement surgery. 

Furthermore, if both knees or hips need surgery, it is called a bilateral procedure otherwise unilateral. Unilateral means only related to one joint. 

Book your appointment with the best knee replacement surgeon in India.

Advantages

There are several benefits of joint replacement surgery. The major ones are listed below. 

●      Permanent relief from pain

●      No more physical disability

●      No more discomfort while walking or climbing stairs

●      Freedom from dependent life

●      Better social life

●      Improved physical and mental health

●      Increased quality of life

Complications

If you need knee or hip replacement surgery, ensure you get it on time. Delay will result in more damage to the joint and late recovery. 

Often people ignore the condition and take painkillers for temporary relief. However, it causes more harm than good.

Conclusion

People need joint replacement surgeries for the knee or the hip mainly because of debilitating and chronic pain. Such pain happens due to internal joint damage. It impacts life negatively and leads to mental issues. 

Many conditions can damage the knee or the hip. However, joint replacement surgery can restore the function. It enables the person to once again live a quality life and get rid of pain forever.