Gautam Siram, MD Orthopedic Joint Specialist located in Chevy Chase, MD
If joint pain and restricted mobility from conditions like arthritis negatively affect your quality of life, joint replacement may be right for you. Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Gautam Siram, MD, performs joint replacement procedures at his practice in Chevy Chase, Maryland. To learn how you can overcome the limitations of joint pain and reclaim your life, call the office or book an appointment online today.
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What is a joint replacement?
Joint replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing diseased or damaged parts of a joint and replacing them with new, human-made components. The replacement parts may be made of metal, plastic, or ceramic, and they mimic the function of a normal, healthy joint.
The most common types of joint replacements involve major joints like the hip, shoulder, or knee. Dr. Siram is a highly-skilled surgeon who has earned a “Top Doctor” designation by Washingtonian magazine, and his practice focuses primarily on the knee and hip.
Why would I need a joint replacement?
You may consider joint replacement surgery if you have a disease or injury that causes severe, ongoing pain and disability that affects your everyday activities. The most common reasons for joint replacement surgery include advanced arthritis and severe fractures.
If nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy and medications don’t relieve your joint pain, surgery may provide effective relief and restore you to normal functioning.
What should I expect from joint replacement surgery?
First, Dr. Siram thoroughly reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam to make sure joint replacement is right for you. He explains the risks and benefits of joint replacement surgery, so you understand your condition and can make an informed decision about your health. He may recommend pre-operative CT or MRI scans so that custom instruments can be made to fit your specific anatomical needs.
Joint replacement surgery takes place while you’re under general or regional anesthesia. The amount of time it takes varies depending on the size of the joint and the severity of your condition. Dr. Siram typically spends a few hours in joint replacement surgery.
During surgery, Dr. Siram typically uses minimally invasive techniques to remove the damaged cartilage and bone tissue from your joint. Then, he replaces the joint with artificial parts and closes the incisions with sutures. Depending on your specific situation, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days.
Afterward, physical therapy can help you recover more quickly and get back to your favorite activities as soon as possible.
To learn more about your options for joint replacement, call the office of Gautam Siram, MD, or book an appointment online today.