Joint Resurfacing
Many younger and more active patients who suffer from osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions may have worn hip or knee joints that exhibit pain, swelling and restricted movement. These younger patients may benefit from joint resurfacing treatment instead of a partial or full joint replacement. Silicon Valley Orthopaedics offers joint resurfacing at our California medical clinics near San Jose.
Joint resurfacing surgery is designed to make repairs to worn cartilage or slight defects in major joints. The surgery involves trimming down worn cartilage on the bone that enters the joint and covering it with a metal cap. A metal shell is also inserted into the joint, and the cap moves smoothly inside this shell. The procedure creates a smooth, continuous metal surface for seamless joint operation without making significant structural changes.
Joint resurfacing surgery in the hip or knee is minimally invasive, using small incisions and robotic-assisted technology for precise movements. Patients are often able to return to their normal activities faster and more pain-free. In younger patients, this treatment often lasts longer than a traditional joint replacement and is more resilient for those engaged in sports like running, skiing and other high-impact activities.
Joint Resurfacing vs. Replacement
Your specialist at Silicon Valley Orthopaedics can discuss with you the pros and cons of joint resurfacing vs. replacement in your particular situation. Joint preservation techniques are always preferred over joint replacement, when possible. Joint preservation therapies and cartilage restoration are preferred treatments for worn joints to prevent more invasive surgery.
However, some cases warrant more invasive repair to the joint. The orthopedic surgeons at Silicon Valley Orthopaedics will recommend the best option for each patient individually and explain their reasoning. This will often be a joint replacement surgery, such as when joint components are evenly worn beyond repair throughout the joint.
Other times, a joint may only be worn in a single compartment, allowing for a partial joint replacement. Patients who are more active, and yet experience worn cartilage in a hip or knee joint can benefit more from a less invasive joint resurfacing procedure to restore health and strength to the joint. By resurfacing the existing joint mechanisms, a more natural movement is preserved, and less damage is done to the entire joint area.
What are the Benefits of Joint Resurfacing?
If you are a younger patient with hip or knee pain from osteoarthritis, ask your doctor about joint resurfacing. Silicon Valley Orthopaedics in Fremont and Foster City performs this procedure for younger patients who are more active and wish to preserve their natural joint. The benefits of joint resurfacing are numerous, including:
- Less invasive surgery for a faster recovery
- A more natural joint is preserved
- Preserving more natural bone makes any future joint revision procedures easier
- Reduced risk of joint dislocation with the metal insert and cap used in joint resurfacing
- Better stress distribution throughout the joint with metal components
- A more resilient option for active patients
- May last longer in younger patients than a full joint replacement
- Recovery/rehabilitation is easier
Joint resurfacing can help you remain active longer, enabling you to enjoy more strenuous pursuits in your younger years. Knee resurfacing procedures are not for everyone. Older patients with a weaker bone structure or more extensive deterioration of the joints will benefit more from a total joint replacement. Ask your orthopedic specialist for recommendations concerning your specific condition and needs.
If you are interested in joint resurfacing as an alternative to a partial or full joint replacement, contact our orthopedic specialists and schedule a joint resurfacing consultation with one of our specialists at Silicon Valley Orthopaedics. We have offices near San Jose in Fremont and Foster City, CA. You can also take advantage of our telehealth visits for an initial consultation. Ask about this option when you call or message us online.