While hips and knees were once the only joints that could be surgically replaced, today’s joint replacement technology allows doctors in Texas to replace shoulders, elbows, ankles, finger joints, and wrists. In many ways, these surgeries are similar to the more common hip and knee procedures. In all joint replacement surgeries, the damaged parts, usually the ends of the bone and surrounding cartilage, are removed and replaced with a metal or plastic piece that allows the new joint to move just like a natural joint.
Ankle replacements have been around since the 1980’s, but the early models had high risk of failure. In recent years, success rates have drastically increased, and there are currently five FDA approved ankle replacement models in use. Ankle replacement restores range of motion to those afflicted with arthritis, and the survival rate of prosthetic ankle joints over ten years range from 75% to 90%, depending on the type of model used.
Another type of Texas joint replacement that has increased in popularity over the last few years is wrist replacement. Like ankle replacement, it has been available for the last 30 years but is only now gaining attention in the medical world. Wrist replacements are primarily given to people with severe arthritis, degenerative diseases, or injury. It usually restores full wrist function, and the results last 10 to 15 years.
Elbow replacement is still relatively rare, with only a few thousand artificial elbow recipients each year. Generally elbow replacements are given to people with rheumatoid arthritis or to those who have had significant elbow injury. Elbow replacements are most successful among people who have arthritis but are otherwise healthy. Younger, more active patients are more likely to experience problems with elbow replacements, so it is generally recommended for people 60 or older.
Perhaps the most unusual type of joint replacement in Texas is knuckle replacement. Knuckle replacement has been around since the 1950’s but is far less common than other types of joint replacement. This is perhaps because the technology is still being honed, and other non-surgical methods of treating knuckle pain have been successful. Still, for those who have not responded to alternate treatments and who are severely hampered by their lack of hand mobility, knuckle replacement can be a good option. Knuckle replacement was originally conceived for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, but recently people with osteoarthritis have begun undergoing the treatment as well.
With these procedures becoming more wide-spread, there are more and more skilled orthopedists with experience in these alternative procedures. Talk to your doctor if you think you may be a good candidate for joint replacement surgery.
Texas Orthopedics, Sports and Rehabilitation Associates, www.txortho.com/, is a highly skilled team of physicians that specializes orthopedics, including joint replacement; spine, knee, hip, shoulder and elbow, hand and wrist, neck, and back pain; and Texas joint replacement. Their state-of-the-art services include bone density testing, x-ray, on-site MRI, and orthopedic surgery. A talented team of physical and rehabilitation therapists is on staff as well as a board-certified rheumatologist who treats arthritis and auto-immune disorders. Call (512) 439-1001or request an appointment online at any of the six locations in the Austin area.
