Dr. Biplab Dolui

Frequently Asked Question of Joint Replacement

1) What is joint replacement?

Part of the arthritic and damaged joint is removed

2) What is done in this surgery?

Ends of the long bone are replaced with metallic components

3) Who needs joint replacement surgery?

Patients who are suffering from long standing joint pain & disability. Joint replacement can give a new life.

4) What are the different types of joint replacement available?

For knee it may be unicompartmental (when one compartment is removed) or Tricompartmentsl (when all the compartments are removed) For shoulder Hemi ( when only humeral head remove) or Total ( when glenoid and humeral head both removed)

5) What are the preparation necessary before undertaking any joint replacement?

Some routine blood & urine tests are necessary.cardiological investigation including ecg & echo are also necessary.

6) How long do I need to stay in hospital after surgery?

Approximately 5 to 7 days

7) What after care should I take after surgery?

Appropriate postural care & proper physiotherapy as you will be shown during your hospital stay

8) What is the approximate time to recovery?

Approximately 4 weeks to join your duties

9) Is there any limitation of the surgery?

Artificial joint has a self life. Usually lasts more than 10 years if you take proper care of it.

10) What are probable complications?

Infection is the most dreadest complication.However if your doctor take proper preoperative care,perform in a good setup and finishes the job with in 2 hrs, chance of infection is very minimal.

Frequently Asked Question of Arthroscopic surgery

1) What is Arthroscopic surgery ?

It is an operative technique of repairing damaged structures in the joint through key holes and without formal incision.

2) When is Arthroscopic shoulder surgery necessary ?

Not all shoulder problems need surgery, however, some of the shoulder problems that can be treated by “Arthroscopic” technique:

• Recurrent subluxation / dislocation of the shoulder
• Frozen shoulder
• Rotator cuff impingement
• Rotator cuff tear
• Calcifying tendonitis
• Acromioclavicular joint arthritis
• Labral tears
• SLAP lesions
• Biceps tendon rupture
• Loose body
• RA, Koch, PVNS, Synovial chondromatosis : Synovial Biopsy / Synovectomy
• Osteochondral fracture
• Septic Arthritis

3) What are the common problems affecting the knee joint ?

There are two distinct patterns of knee problems. In the younger age group it is common to have mechanical problems e.g meniscus (cushion) injury, ligament tear, whereas in the older age group it is often degenerative conition e.g. Osteoarthritis .

• Meniscus tear
• ACL rupture
• PCL rupture
• Dislocation of Patella
• Maltracking Patella
• Osteoarthritis
• Synovial diseases
• Chondral lesions

4) What are the benefits of arthroscopic techniques?

• Less pain
• low morbidity
• quick recovery
• no scars

5) What preparations are necessary before undertaking arthroscopic surgery?

Routine pre-operative blood,chest xray and ECG examination are required before undergoing surgery. An MRI may be necessary for diagnostic evaluation and subsequent management planning for arthroscopic surgery.

6) How long is the hospital stay ?

Most of the arthroscopic surgeries are performed on day care basis with same day discharge.But may have to stay overnight if situation arises.

7) What after care is necessary following arthroscopic surgery ?

Arm or Leg may need immobilization in a sling or knee brace for a week.Subsequently needs specific physiotherapy depending on procedure performed.

8) What is the expected time to recover following arthroscopic surgery?

You can performed office work after a week.However sports activities allowed after 6 months following any ligament reconstruction.

9) What are risks involved in arthroscopic surgery?

Risks of infection is very minimum.Stiffness can be avoided with proper physiotherapy.

10) Why has there been a sudden world wide upsurge in the understanding & treatment of shoulder / knee injury?

High demand from the patients to achieve optimum function has been a driving force. Besides the advances in technology (Arthroscopy) has made it possible for the surgeon to restore the joint to the pre-injury level.