When other treatment options no longer provide relief, joint replacement may be recommended -- not only to relieve pain but also to prevent the disability it can cause. For example, experiencing joint pain day after day without relief can lead to "staying off" the joint -- which often weakens the muscles around it so it becomes even more difficult to move.

In most cases, you can wait as long as you want. Your pain and change of lifestyle usually dictates when you are ready. However, there is some information that suggests that waiting too long may compromise the results. If you have increasing deformity or bone loss, waiting may make the surgery more complicated. Only an orthopedic surgeon can help you decide when surgery may be right for you. While you are waiting, you should maintain your health, strength, and flexibility.

The longevity of a prosthetic knee depends on a variety of factors including your physical condition, activity level and weight. Replacement joints are not as strong or durable as natural, healthy joints, so there is no guarantee on how long they will last. Although you will enjoy improved joint function and relief from pain, you should not overestimate what your prosthetic knee can do and how much activity it can withstand. The rate of wear depends partly on how you use it.

Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which certain parts of an arthritic or damaged joint, such as a hip or knee joint, are removed and replaced with a plastic or metal device called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to enable the artificial joint to move just like a normal, healthy joint. Hip replacement involves replacing the femur (head of the thighbone) and the acetabulum (hip socket).

Joint replacement is ideally done for patient above the age of 60 years. It may be done between ages of 40 and 60. It is rarely done between ages of 20 and 40. It is never done in children.

It is advisable to use commode, avoid sitting on floor, jogging, running and fast sports after joint replacement surgery. Moderate speed walking, climbing stairs and swimming are permitted.

None. We have no restrictions on our patients. The only activity we do not allow patients to do is jogging for exercise, as it accelerates the wear on your new joint. You can resume all other activities based on your comfort.

Joint replacement surgery is performed to replace an arthritic or damaged joint with a new, artificial joint called a prosthesis. The knee and hip are the most commonly replaced joints, although shoulders, elbows and ankles can also be replaced. Joints contain cartilage, a rubbery material that cushions the ends of bones and facilitates movement. Over time, or if the joint has been injured, the cartilage wears away and the bones of the joint start rubbing together.

Indian customs of cross leg sitting and squatting are avoided after surgery. You need to use a commode or a toilet chair. Activities like swimming, walking are encouraged but running, jumping and other heavy physical activities are discouraged. Dr. Hemant Wakankar - Find information about Joint Replacement Centre in India. Check out for Best Joint Replacement Centre in India from www.jointreplacementinfo.net.

While risks are low, they do exist. The two most serious complications are infection and blood clots. To avoid these problems, we use antibiotics and blood thinners. We also take special precautions in the operating room to reduce the risk of infections.

Commonly used material for joint replacement is either stainless steel called Cobalt Chrome alloy or a metal known as Titanium and a Plastic called Ultra high Molecular Weight High Density Polyethylene.

Exercises start within a day after joint replacement, while walking is started 2 - 3 days after joint replacement. You may need temporary support of walker or walking stick after joint replacement. Whether you need a permanent support depends on whether other joints are affected.

This surgery is not truly "minimally" invasive, but, more accurately, "less" invasive. There is a smaller incision and less muscle work involved.