Many Different Types of Arthritis Means Many Different Types of Surgery

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Arthrodesis – this type of surgery involves the fusion of bones which is done primarily to relieve pain. Often carried out in the ankles, fingers, thumbs and wrists it does result in the fused bones losing all flexibility but fused joints are more stable, are better at bearing weight and it takes away the pain . . . a welcome relief for many arthritis sufferers.

Arthroscopy - a small tube with a light on the end inserted through a small incision for a close up view of the joint from the inside!

Arthroplasty – we can rebuild him . . . okay, not quite the Six Million Dollar Man (remember him? That’s when Six Million Dollars was a lot of money) but it’s the rebuilding of joints. When the cartilage of a joint has worn away and the bone destroyed this procedure can be done by resurfacing and then relining the ends of the bones. The term Arthroplasty is also sometimes used to mean a total joint replacement.

Osteotomy – is a procedure which involves correcting deformities in bones by cutting and re-positioning it. This procedure is used for people with mile osteoarthritis or people with malalignment of some joints, including people who are considered to be too young for a total hip replacement.

Resection – completely removes either part of the bone . . . or the whole bone. Resection is sometimes used on the foot when diseased joints make walking extremely painful, or even for the removal of painful bunions. It can also be used on the wrist, elbow or thumb to improve the function of the joint and for pain relief.

Revision Joint Surgery – is used when total joint replacement parts have got past their useful shelf life . . . replacing the artificial joints with metal or plastic parts. This type of surgery is actually a lot more complicated than the original joint replacement procedure.

Okay, maybe you didn’t really need to see that! Not for the faint hearted huh?

Synovectomy – removes only the tissues (or synovium) which is lining the joints. This can really help with pain relief and to reduce swelling, also slowing down the natural progressive destruction of the joint. This is seldom a permanent solution to the problem however, as the synovium usually grows back in time bringing the problems with it.

Total Joint Replacement – these days a very common procedure, particularly for knees and hips. The total replacement of the joint with a metal, plastic or ceramic part. The procedure is also available for other joints including shoulders, ankles, elbows and even knuckles. Over the years this type of surgery has enabled thousands of severely disabled people to enjoy a more active life.

Unicondylar Knee Replacement – (otherwise known as the half knee replacement) the knee is made up of three components, the lateral, medial and the kneecap. This surgical procedure is used when only the lateral and medial components are affected by arthritis.

Hey, nobody said it was gonna’ be pretty!