One of the most common questions I hear in my office is, “When am I ready for joint replacement?” While I wish I had a simple answer, there are many factors for me and my patient to consider during the decision-making process.
A Personalized Approach
The first step I take is to evaluate the condition of the hip or knee joint through x-rays and assess how arthritis is affecting a patient’s daily life. From there, we discuss all available treatment options and determine which are most suitable for their lifestyle, activity level, and other personal factors.
Joint Pain Treatment Options
Joint replacement is a highly effective and permanent procedure for pain relief when appropriately indicated. It can reliably restore function and significantly reduce, if not eliminate, pain in the affected joint. I use the most advanced techniques to minimize stress on the body and reduce recovery time.
However, there are also many non-surgical treatment options that can help alleviate joint pain and allow patients to maintain a high function level. If these treatments effectively manage pain, surgery can be delayed or may not even be necessary. Non-operative measures are typically temporary and may become less effective over time, but delaying surgery can be beneficial for many patients based on their unique circumstances.
In rare cases of advanced arthritis with significant or progressive bone loss, I may recommend surgery even if symptoms are relatively well tolerated through other treatment. For most patients, however, conservative treatments are a good choice as long as they continue to work.
Making the Decision About Joint Replacement Surgery
If I tell a patient that surgery is a reasonable option, it’s ultimately up to them to decide when they have reached their threshold and are ready to move forward. Then we work together to tailor a surgical solution and recovery program that will get them back to enjoying the activities they love.
Still want me to answer that opening question? The best advice I give my patients is this: you are ready for joint replacement surgery when the pain in your affected joint is severe and limiting, it prevents you from doing the things you love, and no other treatment has effectively controlled that pain. Even when non-surgical options provide adequate relief, some patients may feel ready for joint replacement when they are tired of temporary fixes and want a more permanent solution.
Dr. Richard Auran is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult hip and knee joint replacement and reconstruction. His practice is in Portland, Oregon at The Oregon Clinic Orthopedics.