Overview

Surgical procedure that replaces both head of bone and its joint with artificially made joint (metal, ceramic and reinforced plastic). Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteonecrosis are the leading cause of irreversible joint damage that requires Total joint replacement. As Korean medical industry has incorporated cutting edge equipments and medical technology, many patients from overseas visit orthopedic department in Korea for surgeries and treatments. Total joint replacement is mainly performed on hip, knee, shoulder and elbow.

Patients receiving this surgery mostly undergo

• Persistent pain unresponsive to medication
• Becoming more difficult to mobilize despite a help of walking aid
• Sleeping disturbance
• Difficulties in daily activities

Process of procedure

• Begin general anesthesia (patient's breathing will depend on ventilating machine)
• Give incision on the surgery area
• Remove the damaged head of bone and joint
• Place the artificial joints on the bone and joint area
• Close the incision

Expected duration of hospital stay

• Generally the surgery itself takes 2~3 hours.
• 2 weeks of hospital stay is required for post operative care

Post-operative care

• Thick pressure bandage will be applied to the operated area
• Vital signs will monitored thoroughly to ensure that he or she is free of complications
• Patient's legs should be elevated at all times
• Pain will be actively managed
• Blood bags on the surgery site will be maintained for 2~3days
• Sutures or staples will be removed in 2 weeks of surgery

Ideal outcomes

• Pain is relieved
• Mobilization is improved
• Quality of life is raised.
• Improved exercise capacity

Risks

• Blood clot formation (possible cause of heart attack, pulmonary embolism and stroke)
• Doctor will prescribe blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
• Severe infection, dislocation, fracture, nerve damage, slight change in the length of leg
• In years of time, artificial joint may ware out or become lose

Treatment cost

• The cost can vary by hospitals and depending on the number of stent used.
• Expected cost ranges from to.