Arthroplasty Complications – Who Should Not Go for an Arthroplasty Procedure


Like all other surgical problems, arthroplasty complications can occur as every surgical operation carries an element of risk. However, with increasing advances in the medical field, there is a 98% chance that you will recover from the arthroplasty surgery without encountering any serious setbacks. Although this might be the case, certain people should be wary before signing up for the procedure as they maybe prone to arthroplasty complications.

A Look at Some Arthroplasty Complications

 

Arthroplasty Complications
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most primary reasons for Arthroplasty Complications

 

According to statistics released by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 713,000 arthroplasty surgeries are carried out in the United States every year. Still, there are cases where the doctors may not advice an arthroplasty. These cases include:

Arthroplasty Complications #1 – Rheumatoid Arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often experience crippling pain in their joints, but arthroplasty cannot be recommended for a large percentage of these patients. This is because rheumatoid arthritis affects not just multiple joints, but also the body’s immune system. Therefore, surgery may not have positive results and complications might rise when the same is attempted.

Arthroplasty Complications #2 – Obesity

Obesity is also a deciding factor. This is especially true as far as ankle replacement surgeries are considered. Obesity increases the stress on the replaced joint. This can cause problems with longevity of the joint. Surgeons therefore very often advise patients to lose weight before going in for arthroplasty.

Arthroplasty Complications #3 – Prior Health Issues

Hip arthroplasty complications and knee arthroplasty complications can surface in patients who are already suffering from other illnesses like heart problems. These issues must be carefully discussed with the doctors before proceeding for surgery. For example, patients who suffer from muscle weakness problems or Parkinson’s disease may not be suitable candidates for the procedure. This is because they will be more prone to damaging or dislocating their artificial hip.

Arthroplasty Complications #4 – Age and Lifestyle

Until a few years ago, hip replacement was normally recommended for people over the age of 60, but today, it is done for younger persons too, though the doctor will definitely have to take your lifestyle into account before recommending arthroplasty.

Arthroplasty Complications #5 – Gender Based Constraints

Research studies have shown that women recover faster from knee replacement surgery when compared to men, although men do catch up later. But equally interesting is a study done in Canada which indicates that there is a gender bias among physicians and that they recommend knee replacement surgery to a greater percentage of men when compared to women.

The study was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal and stated that physicians were twice as likely to recommend total knee arthroplasty for men as compared to women.

Arthroplasty should not be considered for patients who have not attempted other treatments like anti-inflammatory and anti-pain drugs and physical therapy. Doctors recommend arthroplasty only when the pain refuses to respond to other forms of treatment and its severity is affecting the quality of life.

Arthroplasty is performed only when medical treatment has not improved the functionality of the joint. It helps to reduce pain levels and also improves mobility, helping the patient lead a normal life. Although the procedure is capable of bringing down pain levels, the patient must be medically cleared in order to avoid arthroplasty complications. Also, pre arthroplasty prepping and post arthroplasty care are just as important as the surgery itself. This increases the chances of have a complete arthroplasty recovery.