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| MAJOR AND MINOR ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY |
Because of frequent joint bleeds, minor and major orthopedic procedures are the most common elective procedures needed in people with hemophilia A or B with inhibitors. To learn more about your surgical procedure, select from the options in the drop down menu below.
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JOINT REPLACEMENT (ARTHROPLASTY)
Total joint replacement or arthroplasty [pronounced AR-thro-PLAS-te] involves removing the damaged bone and joint tissue, and replacing it with metal, ceramic, and plastic parts. The artificial joint is called a prosthesis. In people with hemophilia A or B with inhibitors, knees and hips have been replaced with good results.13 Other joints, such as shoulders and elbows, are replaced less often. The prosthetic in a joint replacement will last about 15 years.
Joint replacement surgery is a big decision; afterward you must be committed to a difficult rehabilitation program and you must be very careful about preventing infection.2 The surgery requires admission to the hospital and will be performed under general anesthesia. The procedure takes about 2 hours per joint and you will probably be hospitalized for about 2 weeks or more.2
Antibiotics may be given to prevent infection. The pain after surgery is often severe for some people, so pain medication will be prescribed. Clotting factor therapy will be administered before, during, and after the procedure. The long hospital stay is necessary to monitor your bleeding after surgery and during the intensive physical therapy program.2
Joint replacement surgery may result in dramatically decreased pain and bleeding, increased mobility and improved quality of life once the joint is fully healed. Possible complications include bleeding and infections, but there is also a potential for blood clots to form. This may happen even in people who have a blood clotting disorder. Your hematologist will monitor you carefully for any sign of blood clots.
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| ©2007 Novo Nordisk Inc. |
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