New procedures and equipment make joint replacement more accessible and appealing to all

Medical technology is revolutionizing joint repair and replacement. Traditionally, joint replacement required major surgery, lengthy recovery times, massive pain medications, and endless hours of physical therapy. In those old days, there was not much in the lines of joint repair and joint replacement usually meant the end of an active lifestyle.

Today’s orthopedic surgeons use a wide variety of state-of-the-art tools available to repair and replace joints with shorter recovery, less pain, and better results. These new techniques are much less invasive than old methods of joint replacement, so surgical joint replacement of today pose less risk for infection and complications.

Joint repair and replacement is not just for hips anymore. Today’s joint replacement technology can help a young person with rheumatoid arthritis move her wrists without pain, or enable someone with severe rotator cuff problems to lift his arms above his head.

Computers guide modern medical technology to improve the outcomes of surgical joint repair and replacement. Many surgeons use minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to repair joints. During replacement surgery, computer navigation help orthopedic surgeons place implants precisely, significantly improving alignment between the replacement and the patient’s own bones and connective tissues. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, better-aligned total knee replacements last longer.

Joint repair and replacement now uses ultra-modern, super strong, and low friction materials that provide better movement and last longer. Metal alloys, strong plastic parts, and ceramic materials replace old-fashioned metal ball and polyethylene liners.

Only older people used to have joint replacement surgery and surgeons often performed the operation only in hopes of making it easier for an elderly person to move from the bed to a wheelchair. Now patients of all ages rely on joint repair and replacement technologies to improve physical function and the quality of life.