Dr. Steve Ikard has specialized training in joint repair and replacement. In addition to his medical training at the University of Tennessee and his orthopaedic residency training at the Campbell Clinic, Dr. Ikard holds a fellowship in Total Joint Replacement Surgery from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts.
As your car ages, visits to the auto shop for repair and replacement services increase. The human body as it ages or when it is injured, may develop joint problems that call for the services of an orthopaedic surgeon. Dr. Ikard of University Orthopaedic Clinic answers some of your questions about joint repair and replacement surgery.
Q: It seems like everyone knows someone who has had a joint replaced or repaired. I never used to hear about such things. Why the increase?
A: People are living linger, more active lives. When a joint wears out, they don't want to slow down! Now that the medical profession has the technology and knowledge to replace worn out parts, people are opting for surgery in order to enjoy more satisfying lives. Many of us are participating in sports and other physical activities. When a joint is damaged or becomes worn, rather than enduring the discomfort, we seek medical assistance so that we can return to the activities we enjoy.
Q: The joint pain I am experiencing comes and goes. When it's bad I take aspirin and live with it. How bad should it get before I come see you?
A: Even if the joint pain you are experiencing comes and goes, it is wise to consult an orthopaedist. For example, the troubled joint may be cleaned or debrided arthroscopically during the early stages of an arthritic joint problem. This may prevent or at least significantly delay major joint repair.
Q: My sister had arthroscopic surgery on her knee and was up and around the same day! What is this wonder called arthroscopic surgery?
A: Arthroscopic surgery is a less invasive procedure that uses tiny incisions. Surgical instruments are inserted through one incision and small video monitoring equipment through the other. Arthroscopic surgery offers a number of advantages over conventional surgical techniques. In many cases, the patient can begin basic rehabilitation activities the same day of surgery. Inpatient hospital stays and clumsy casts are often avoided. Best of all, recovery time is greatly reduced.
Q: What are joint replacements made of and how long do they last?
A: Originally, joint replacements were made of stainless steel. Unfortunately over a period of time, stainless steel can fatigue and break. Today's replacements are composed of super alloys of both cobalt chromium and titanium as well as plastic. They last much longer than stainless steel. Exactly how long is a question waiting to be answered, but we expect these modern replacements to last 20-30 years.
As a rule, most orthopaedic conditions can be corrected with conservative treatment, using drugs and therapy. Occasionally, a condition requires surgery. When it does, the physicians of the University Orthopaedic Clinic are prepared with the most advanced procedures, including joint repair and replacement. Often joint problems can be helped by the use of arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure performed on a same day basis. But there are times when the cartilage that cushions the bone becomes so worn that the joint must be replaced. Joint replacement surgery is performed in a hospital setting, and recovery requires a hospital stay. Advances in surgical techniques and technology make joint reconstruction very successful. Today, people are enjoying a very active lifestyle well beyond retirement years. So when joint pain strikes, they don't want to slow down.
If you are experiencing joint pain, even if it comes and goes, University Orthopaedic Clinic recommends that you consult an orthopaedist. For more information about joint treatment, call 205-345-0192.
