Worn Out Joints? You Might Need Sports Arthroplasty
Every year, 3.5 million athletes suffer sports injuries, often leading to debilitating joint pain. Sports arthroplasty, or joint replacement surgery, offers a solution to restore function and alleviate pain. This specialized field uses durable implants to help active individuals regain mobility and enjoy their favorite activities again. Discover the benefits and various types of sports arthroplasty and find the best doctor for sports arthroplasty in San Francisco.
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Every year, 3.5 million athletes or sports enthusiasts suffer from a sports injury. That leaves many of them struggling with joint pain. Whether you're an active individual or a professional athlete, joint injuries can be debilitating and affect your performance.
Fortunately, sports arthroplasty offers a solution to restore function and alleviate pain, allowing you to get back to doing what you love.
Read on to explore the different types of sports arthroplasty and their benefits in helping you regain mobility and enjoy an active lifestyle.
What Is Sports Arthroplasty?
Sports arthroplasty, or joint replacement surgery, is a specialized field of orthopedic surgery focused on the reconstruction and replacement of damaged joints in active individuals, including athletes and sports enthusiasts. This surgical approach aims to restore joint function, alleviate pain, and improve mobility, allowing patients to maintain an active lifestyle.
Sports arthroplasty procedures often involve the use of artificial joint implants made of durable materials such as metal, ceramic, or plastic. By addressing joint injuries and conditions that result from sports-related activities, sports arthroplasty, alongside rehabilitation after joint surgery, plays a crucial role in helping individuals recover from joint damage and return to their favorite physical activities.
Types of Sports Arthroplasty
Arthroplasty for sports injuries comes in many disciplines — and it’s not just for people with injuries from sports activities either!
Hip Arthroplasty
This procedure involves replacing the damaged hip joint with an artificial implant, typically made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. Hip arthroplasty is commonly performed to address conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and avascular necrosis, restoring hip function and reducing pain.
Ankle Arthroplasty
Ankle arthroplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat severe ankle arthritis by replacing the damaged parts of the ankle joint with artificial components. This procedure can help restore mobility and alleviate pain, allowing patients to engage in activities that were previously limited by ankle pain and dysfunction.
Knee Arthroplasty
Also known as knee replacement surgery, knee arthroplasty replaces the damaged knee joint with a prosthetic implant. It is often recommended for individuals with severe knee arthritis or those who have experienced a significant knee injury. Knee arthroplasty can improve mobility and alleviate pain, allowing patients to resume once-challenging activities.
Shoulder Resurfacing
This procedure replaces the joint surface of the head of the humerus in the shoulder joint. It involves making an incision on the front of the shoulder to expose the joint, removing the worn ball of the shoulder joint, and using a metal component to replace the joint surface of the humerus bone. The shoulder is then checked for appropriate range of motion and implant stability.
Partial Elbow Replacement
This surgical procedure replaces worn joint surfaces in the elbow when arthritis affects mainly one side. It requires an incision on the elbow to remove the worn surfaces of the humerus bone and radius. Metal components with a plastic spacer are then cemented into place on the humerus and radius. The elbow is examined for proper range of motion, alignment, and stability.
Total and Partial Hip Replacement via Anterior or Posterior Approach
This surgery replaces the joint surfaces of the hip ball and socket due to severe arthritis. It involves making an incision on the outside front of the hip (anterior approach) or near the outside of the buttock (posterior approach) to expose the hip joint. The damaged areas of the ball and socket are removed, and metal components are placed in the femur and socket. The hip is checked for proper motion and implant stability.
Total Elbow Arthroplasty
This procedure replaces worn joint surfaces in the elbow due to severe arthritis. An incision is made to access the joint and remove the worn surfaces. Artificial components with stems are then cemented into the canals of the ulna and humerus, creating a metal and plastic hinge at the joint. The elbow is checked for appropriate range of motion, alignment, and stability.
Partial Knee Replacement
This surgery replaces worn joint surfaces in the knee due to severe arthritis. An incision is made on the front of the knee to remove the worn surfaces. Metal components are then cemented onto the tibia and femur, with a spacer placed between them. The surface of the kneecap is also replaced with a plastic button, and the knee is checked for proper function.
Partial Shoulder Replacement
This shoulder arthroplasty procedure replaces the joint surface of the ball (head of the humerus) of the shoulder. It involves making an incision on the front of the shoulder to expose the joint, removing the worn joint surface of the humerus, and placing a metal stem in the humerus bone. An appropriately sized ball component is then attached to the stem, and the shoulder is checked for proper motion and implant stability.
Radial Head Fracture Repair
This surgery repairs a broken radius at the elbow. An incision is made along the back of the elbow over the radius bone, and the broken bone fragments are aligned and secured with screws or a plate and screws.
Total Shoulder Replacement
This surgery replaces the joint surfaces of the ball and socket of the shoulder due to severe arthritis. An incision is made on the front of the shoulder to expose the joint, and the damaged areas of the ball and socket are removed. Metal components are then placed in the humerus bone and socket, and the shoulder is checked for proper motion and implant stability.
What Are the Benefits of Sports Arthroplasty?
This type of surgery offers a myriad of benefits to active people looking to re-engage with the activities they love, including:
Pain Relief: Sports arthroplasty can significantly reduce joint pain, allowing patients to enjoy a better quality of life without constant discomfort.
Improved Mobility: By replacing damaged joints with artificial implants, sports arthroplasty can restore mobility and range of motion, enabling patients to engage in activities they previously found challenging.
Enhanced Functionality: With improved joint function, individuals undergoing sports arthroplasty can regain the ability to perform everyday tasks and participate in sports and physical activities.
Long-Term Solution: Sports arthroplasty is designed to provide long-lasting relief, offering patients a durable solution for their joint problems.
Personalized Care: Each sports arthroplasty procedure is tailored to the patient's specific needs, ensuring that the treatment addresses their unique joint condition and lifestyle.
If you're experiencing joint pain that is impacting your ability to stay active and enjoy life, sports arthroplasty may be the solution you've been looking for. With the right treatment and care, you can look forward to a future free from joint pain and limitations, allowing you to pursue your passions with confidence.
Where to Find the Best Sports Arthroplasty Surgeon in San Francisco
Dr. James Chen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive joint surgery for athletes, offering advanced treatment options for those experiencing symptoms of sports injuries. From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, our team is committed to providing comprehensive care that addresses each patient's unique needs. With state-of-the-art facilities and advanced surgical techniques, we ensure that you will receive the highest quality care for your sports arthroplasty needs.
Dr. Chen is an expert orthopedic surgeon in San Francisco whose treatment and personalized touch promotes the best possible outcomes for his patients in San Francisco. He specializes in sports-related injuries and offers minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for the knee, shoulder, elbow, hip, and ankle.
Ready for a consultation with a qualified orthopedic surgeon to discuss your options and determine if sports arthroplasty is right for you?
