Surgeons have been replacing damaged joints for decades. You probably have a grandparent, and maybe even a parent, who has had an arthritic hip, knee, ankle, or other joint replaced. If you were to have a joint replaced today, however, the procedure and materials used would be quite different from those used on your older family members. Here are some of the key advancements that have made modern joint replacement better for patients.

Better Materials

Titanium has been the metal most often used to make replacement joints for years. It's still the most common choice because it's strong and because the body does not react negatively towards it. However, the silicone and plastics that are used to create padding for the replacement joints are a lot better these days. They don't deteriorate as quickly, which means the replacement joints last a lot longer. The joints are now also constructed in ways that minimize wear and tear.

Personalized Incisions and Joint Placement

Imaging techniques, such as MRIs, have become more advanced in recent years. If you get a joint replacement today, your surgeon will use an MRI to determine exactly where to place the incision through which they replace your joint. This can lead to better healing post-surgery, less scarring, and a faster surgery overall. Similarly, surgeons now use computer-generated images to make sure they place the new joint in the body in exactly the right place. This precise fit can lead to faster healing, less pain, and improved mobility once you are healed.

Better Physical Therapy

After any joint replacement, you will need to go to physical therapy in order to regain movement in the new joint, and also in order to strengthen the muscles and ligaments associated with the joint. The physical therapy field has made marked advancements in recent years. Physical therapists can now prescribe more specific, targeted exercises post-surgery. This can lead to better healing, better mobility after surgery, and even the need for fewer exercises overall. You will, of course, need to closely adhere to your physical therapy plan in order to get these great results.

The world of joint replacement is always changing for the better! Another 20 years from now, the replacement joints used will probably be even better, and imaging and physical therapy techniques will be even more advanced. But for now, you can rest assured that today's technology is excellent and beneficial for most patients.