The most common reason for joint replacement surgery ie. arthroplasty is to relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis and to improve mobility. In addition, rest pain deteriorates sleep quality. Arthroplasty provides a significant and rapid improvement in quality of life.
A hereditary predisposition is the most common underlying factor for osteoarthritis. Lifetime stress and strain on the joints and prior injuries predispose to osteoarthritis. Structural abnormalities in joints or bones increase the load on the joint surfaces and can accelerate the development of osteoarthritis. Bacterial joint inflammation increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Other causes of articular cartilage damage and pain may include e.g. bone necrosis, rheumatism and other inflammatory joint diseases.
In Finland, hip replacements are performed on approx. 10,000 patients and knee replacements on approx. 12,000 patients annually. Most surgeries are performed on people over the age of 60, but also more and more younger people want to continue their active lifestyle despite osteoarthritis.
Joint replacement surgery is an investment in one’s own health and quality of life.
When is joint replacement surgery needed?
Osteoarthritis-related pain, swelling, rest pain, and movement limitations are treated using a variety of exercise and physical therapies, as well as medication. If these measures do not adequately help the symptoms, joint replacement surgery should be considered.
Joint replacement surgery
The need for joint replacement surgery is determined by an orthopedic specialist. In addition to a patient interview and examination an X-ray examination and possibly some other supplementary examinations are usually carried out. The decision on surgery is always made together with the orthopedist and the patient.
The treatment results of Orton’s joint replacement surgeries are among the best in Finland.
Finland’s first total hip joint replacement surgery was carried out at Orton in 1967. Today we are Finland’s leading private clinic providing joint replacement surgeries.
The quality of hip joint replacement surgeries is evaluated e.g. by monitoring the incidence of prosthetic joint infections and the need for reoperation. The number of prosthetic joint infections is significantly lower than the national average, as is the need for reoperation.
Joint replacement surgery is a safe procedure that rarely involves complications. However, all surgeries always involve a risk, which we minimize by making a precise treatment plan that takes into account individual aspects of a patient’s condition. As a patient, you yourself also have a significant role in reducing surgical risks.