Few types of orthopaedic surgery make such a profound and lasting impact to a person’s quality of life than joint replacement.
Often, this type of surgery is performed when someone has severe osteoarthritis or experiences a major trauma injury such as a fracture. Consequently, they are likely to have been living with severe pain and loss of mobility – often for many months or even years. This takes its toll on a person in many different ways.
Impacts of severe joint pain
One of the most obvious impacts of pain and loss of mobility is no longer being able to do the things you enjoy. This might range from playing sport through to simpler things like participating in social groups or walking in nature. People can lose their social connections and, as a result, their quality of life can decline steeply. Sometimes their main support networks might be affected if they are no longer able to be part of the same social structures.
Severe joint pain is associated with an increase in instances of anxiety and depression. Being in pain makes it harder for people to do those things that can help them manage their symptoms more effectively, such as walking or swimming, which can result in a downward spiral. Sometimes a person’s overall self-care might suffer, which can lead to a further exacerbation of health symptoms.
Living with chronic (constant ongoing) pain is stressful and exhausting and this stress affects the chemicals in your brain and nervous system. Stress hormones such as cortisol impact your mood and behaviour. When you feel depressed, your ability to cope with pain decreases and you are more likely to think negatively about your condition. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reviewed levels of C-reactive protein – which is a marker of inflammation – in people who responded to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [1]. More than 10,000 people took part. Researchers found that people with symptoms of depression had CRP levels that were 31% higher than those without depression.
Pain can also impact your sleep, leading to chronic tiredness which can further lower your mood and make it harder to participate in even simple exercise routines. It’s easy to see how this can become a vicious cycle.
Joint replacement surgery
The good news is that joint replacement surgery is a highly effective way of treating severe pain and loss of mobility. During the surgical procedure, the damaged joint – or sections of joint – are removed and replaced with an artificial implant. Recent technological improvements mean these implants now feel and move in a way that is very similar to the body’s own natural joints. Alongside improvements in implant manufacturing technology, new approaches to surgery – such as Mako robotic-arm assisted joint replacements – are transforming outcomes for patients.
Mako robotic-arm assisted joint replacements
Andrew Carrothers of Carrothers Orthopaedics is one of the orthopaedic surgeons who has pioneered the use of Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery. Alongside his surgical team, he recently celebrated performing his 1000th Mako procedure. Mako combines a state-of-the-art robotic arm, which the surgeon uses to support him in the operating theatre, and an innovative computer programme which enables detailed pre-surgical planning using CT scans of the patient’s unique anatomy. It is associated with better outcomes and improved satisfaction levels for patients.
Non-surgical treatments
While surgery is the most effective treatment for advanced arthritis or severe fractures, there are many other treatments that can be given for patients with mild to moderate symptoms. These include: Arthrosamid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis and N-stride APS injections which collect “good proteins” from the patient’s own blood.
If you are living with pain and loss of mobility due to arthritis or any other condition, you don’t need to put up with a deteriorating quality of life. Contact us for advice about treatment options.
FAQs
Is there a cure for arthritis?
Unfortunately not. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition which means the symptoms gradually worsen. However, there are many effective treatments that can slow the development of the disease or provide relief from symptoms.
Can anyone have joint replacement surgery?
We normally recommend joint replacement surgery for the most severe forms of arthritis. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss your individual circumstances and whether you might be suitable. They will also explain the different types of joint replacement surgery that is available so you can make an informed decision.
Sources
https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/depression-linked-to-high-crp-and-low-exhaled-nitric-oxide-levels/
