Joint Reconstruction
The various joint surfaces are lined with cartilage, which is a very tough, shock absorbing material. With problems such as strain, fracture, or osteoarthritis, they may someday need to be replaced. The main objective of joint reconstruction is to replace the injured or worn joint surfaces with materials such as metal, plastic, polyethylene, ceramics, or a combination of those materials. The material selected depends on the reason for the surgery, as well as which joint is being replaced.
At South Palm Orthopedics, our surgeons are experts at joint reconstruction, and employ the latest techniques in shoulder, hip and knee replacement, including the minimally invasive procedures for hip and knee replacement.
Hips and Knees
Your hip is a ball and socket joint, which allows bending and straightening of your body and movement of your lower limbs. Osteoarthritis is the main reason for hip replacement surgery, but there are other conditions, including trauma, which may require the need for a hip replacement. Hips and knees are the most commonly replaced joints.
The knee, the largest hinge-type joint in the body is also one that gets injured often. Even though major muscle groups, like hamstrings support your knees, injury or disease can cause weakness, pain, and limited function. For many, knee replacement is the only way to reduce the pain, and restore function and quality of life.
Shoulder
Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, and has a greater range of motion than any other joint in the body. One can hit a tennis ball and throw a baseball because of the shoulder’s impressive range of motion. Injury, arthritis and overuse can cause degeneration, leading to pain, weakness and decreased range of motion of the shoulder. In some patients this can only be cured with shoulder replacement surgery. Shoulder replacement surgery is much less common than hip and knee replacements, as the shoulder is not a weight bearing joint. Many people are not even aware that the shoulder can be replaced.
To learn more about hip and knee replacement surgery, click here.
To learn more about shoulder replacement surgery, click here.