Joint Replacement Surgery in Kirkland, WA
Dr. Robin Fuchs is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and is dedicated to managing and treating joint complications. If you have a degenerative joint disease such as arthritis, musculoskeletal disease, or joint trauma, please call (425) 823-4000 to schedule an appointment at our orthopedic clinic in Kirkland to discuss the benefis of joint replacement surgery today!
Damaged and deteriorated joints can lead to severe pain in the affected area. Medication and physical therapy is often the first step in treating symptoms, but with patients who do not find relief using these methods, joint replacement is sometimes recommended. Candidates for this type of surgery often experience:
- Pain that limits daily activities.
- Discomfort when at rest or trying to sleep.
- Significant loss of range of motion
Types of Arthritis That Often Lead to Joint Replacement
Many patients who consider joint replacement surgery experience various forms of arthritis, which can cause debilitating pain and severely limit the range of motion in the affected area. The three main types of arthritis include:
Osteoarthritis
This form of arthritis occurs as people age. The cartilage between bones begins to soften and wear away. As this tissue deteriorates, the bones begin to rub together causing pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the membrane surrounding the joint, causing it to become inflamed and eventually wear away.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
After a serious injury such as a fractured bone or a torn ligament, severe and immediate damage to cartilage can occur. This cartilage loss can result in pain and stiffness.
What Is an Orthopedic Evaluation?
In order to determine whether or not a patient is a good candidate for joint replacement surgery, an orthopedic surgeon will perform an evaluation on the affected area. During this evaluation, the doctor will:
- Discuss your medical history. Dr. Fuchs will discuss your general health, the symptoms that you have been experiencing and when the symptoms began.
- Perform a physical exam. The doctor will test the range of motion, stability and strength of the affected area.
- Perform an X-ray and/or MRI. An x-ray will provide an image that can show the extent of the damage to the cartilage and bone and help the surgeon identify any abnormalities.
Different Types of Joint Replacement Surgery
Arthritis, age, and traumatic injury can affect the entire body. The most common forms of joint replacement surgery are typically performed on the shoulders, hips and knees.
Outpatient Knee Replacement from Dr. Fuchs
The knee is one of the most highly-impacted joints in the body because it bears almost all of a person’s weight. A functioning knee consists of a thighbone, shinbone, and kneecaps. Tendons ligaments and cartilage connect each of these bones to achieve a forward and backward motion. A knee joint replacement surgery replaces damaged tissue with an artificial joint, helping to improve mobility and painful symptoms.
Anterior Hip Replacement
The hip is constructed with two bones that work in tandem. The ball-and-socket joint allows an extensive range of motion that allows for comfortable sitting, standing, walking and bending. A hip replacement surgery replaces damaged cartilage with artificial parts that help relieve pain and improve function.
Learn More About Anterior Hip Replacements
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. The ball-and-socket joint allows 360 degrees of motion and consists of three main parts – the upper arm, collarbone, and shoulder blade. These three components work together with the help of cartilage and a lubricated membrane. Shoulder replacement surgery replaces damaged tissue within this system to help alleviate pain and restore range-of-motion.
Learn More About Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Schedule a Consultation for Joint Replacement Surgery in Kirkland
If you are currently suffering from joint complications due to arthritis, musculoskeletal disease, or joint trauma, contact board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robin Fuchs. Dr. Fuchs will take the time to provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis to help determine if joint replacement surgery is the right option for you. For more information, contact our orthopedic clinic in Kirkland, WA at (425) 823-4000 or request your appointment online.