Joint health plays a fundamental role in maintaining an active, pain-free lifestyle. As people age or experience sports injuries, common issues affecting the hip, knee, and ligaments may significantly impair mobility and quality of life. Fortunately, surgical advancements have made remarkable progress in restoring joint function.
Hip replacement
The hip joint is one of the most critical load-bearing joints in the body. When it becomes damaged due to arthritis, injury, or wear and tear, everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even standing for long periods can become challenging. In these cases, a hip replacement may offer a new lease on life.
Hip replacement surgery, also known as total hip arthroplasty, involves removing the damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with artificial components. These prosthetics are usually made of metal, ceramic, or high-grade plastic. The goal is to relieve pain and improve mobility and function.
Candidates for this surgery often have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic arthritis that hasn’t responded to more conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or assistive devices. When pain interferes with sleep, everyday tasks, or overall quality of life, surgery becomes a more attractive option.
Knee replacement
Following the hip, another joint frequently impacted by aging, injury, or chronic disease is the knee. Whether from degenerative arthritis, trauma, or long-term overuse, knee damage can significantly limit one’s ability to function normally. In such cases, a knee replacement can provide considerable relief and improvement in quality of life.
Knee replacement surgery, or knee arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged cartilage and bone in the knee with artificial components. The goal is to recreate the movement and function of a healthy knee while alleviating pain. This procedure is commonly recommended for individuals suffering from severe osteoarthritis or joint damage that hasn’t responded well to conservative treatments.
There are different types of knee replacements. A total knee replacement involves resurfacing the entire knee joint, while a partial knee replacement targets only the damaged compartment. The choice depends on the extent of joint damage, patient age, activity level, and overall health. Thanks to innovations in preoperative imaging and custom implant designs, surgeons can now offer more personalized solutions.
Anterior cruciate ligament
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a vital structure within the knee joint, playing a central role in stabilizing movement, particularly during high-demand activities like pivoting, jumping, or rapid deceleration. When the ACL is torn — a common injury in sports such as soccer, basketball, and skiing — it often requires surgical intervention. This is where anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction comes into play.
ACL injuries are typically caused by sudden directional changes, awkward landings, or direct impact to the knee. Symptoms often include a popping sound at the moment of injury, followed by swelling, instability, and difficulty bearing weight. While some individuals may choose conservative management options such as bracing and physical therapy, younger and more active patients generally benefit from surgical reconstruction.
ACL reconstruction surgery involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft, often taken from the patient’s hamstring or patellar tendon. The graft is threaded through tunnels drilled into the thigh and shin bones and then secured in place to mimic the original ACL’s function.
Minimally invasive techniques have become the gold standard, using small incisions and arthroscopic tools to perform the procedure. This leads to shorter hospital stays, reduced pain, and faster rehabilitation timelines.
Rehabilitation is a critical component of ACL recovery. The process is typically divided into phases, starting with reducing swelling and regaining range of motion, followed by strengthening exercises and eventually sports-specific drills. It can take 6 to 12 months before an athlete returns to full activity, depending on the individual and their sport.
