Weighing the Pros and Cons of Joint Replacement Surgery

You've used analgesic creams, ice, heat, exercise, physical therapy and assistive devices. You have tried all the pain medications, even opioids. Maybe you've even lost 20 pounds. But your joints are still so stiff and painful that you can't drive your car or participate in hobbies you enjoy. Should you consider joint replacement surgery? If so, what are your options? Before you say "no" to surgery, consider that more than 750,000 Americans have joint replacement surgery each year.

Joint replacement surgery is not a quick fix and is not without risk. Serious complications of joint replacement surgery, such as blood clots and infections, can occur. In addition, the road to recovery can be difficult and time consuming. But many people who undergo joint replacement surgery experience less pain as well as significant improvements in psychological well-being and quality of life.

What to look for in a surgeon. If you are interested in having joint replacement surgery and your doctor thinks you might be a candidate, it's time to look for a surgeon. When you speak with surgeons, be sure to ask how many procedures they do each year, what their success rate has been, and where they perform their surgeries. If possible, select a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has performed the type of surgery you will have at least 30 to 50 times.

Studies show that surgeons who do the most operations each year generally have the highest success rates. Moreover, hospitals that are affiliated with medical schools (teaching hospitals) tend to have the best track records. Because infections may occur following joint surgery, be sure to ask about the hospital's infection rate.

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