Orthopedics

What is joint replacement (endoprosthesis)?

Joint replacement, also known as arthroplasty or joint prosthesis, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged joint is replaced with an artificial implant called a prosthesis. The prostheses used in this procedure can be of several types: cemented (fixed with bone cement) or uncemented (biologically fixed). Prostheses can also be total, when the entire joint is replaced, or partial, when only part of the joint is replaced.

At Topmed Medical Center in Târgu Mureș, joint replacement is successfully performed by our team of orthopedic surgeons, using the most modern techniques to ensure the durability of the prostheses and a fast, safe recovery for patients.

When is joint replacement necessary?

Replacement of large joints such as the hip, knee, shoulder, as well as smaller joints like the elbow, is recommended when patients have the following conditions or symptoms:

• Degenerative conditions: The most common indication is osteoarthritis – a degenerative joint disease that causes severe pain, inflammation, and limited mobility. Osteoarthritis affects the articular cartilage, leading to joint wear.
• Congenital dysplasia: Birth defects such as hip dysplasia can affect the structure and function of the joint, requiring replacement to improve mobility.
• Complex fractures: In the case of severe joint fractures, such as hip or shoulder fractures that cannot be treated conservatively, joint replacement may be the solution to restore joint function.
• Pain and loss of mobility: Patients who experience persistent pain and severe limitation of joint movement, even after conservative treatments (medication, physiotherapy), are candidates for joint replacement. At Topmed Medical Center in Târgu Mureș, these symptoms are carefully evaluated by specialized orthopedic surgeons, who determine the optimal time for surgery.

Patient pathway: Consultation, Investigations, Surgery, Recovery

At Topmed Târgu Mureș, every patient who needs joint replacement follows a complete, personalized pathway to ensure the best results.

• Initial consultation: The patient is evaluated by an orthopedic doctor specialized in joint replacement. During the consultation, the doctor discusses symptoms, medical history, and determines the necessary investigations.

• Paraclinical investigations: To obtain a detailed image of the affected joint, the patient is recommended investigations such as X-rays, MRI or CT, along with blood tests to rule out possible complications. These investigations are essential to determine the severity of the injury and the type of prosthesis to be used.

• Treatment planning: After the doctor gathers all necessary information, they explain the surgical treatment options to the patient. At Topmed Medical Center in Târgu Mureș, we emphasize fully informing the patient about the benefits of surgery, possible complications, and available alternatives.

The surgical intervention

The joint replacement procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia (spinal or epidural). The procedure involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage components and replacing them with biocompatible prosthetic implants designed to restore joint function.

At Topmed Târgu Mureș, our orthopedic surgeons use minimally invasive techniques, such as:

• Direct anterior approach for hip replacement: This approach does not involve cutting muscles, allowing for faster recovery and less postoperative pain.
• Subvastus approach for knee replacement: This technique preserves the muscles, allowing early mobilization and reduced postoperative pain.

The prostheses used at Topmed Medical Center in Târgu Mureș are of the highest quality, and many are fully reimbursed by CNAS through the national endoprosthesis program, making these interventions accessible to all patients.

Postoperative recovery

Recovery after joint replacement depends on the severity of the condition, the type of prosthesis used, and the patient's general health. At Topmed Târgu Mureș, patients can begin mobilization 14-16 hours after surgery, with the help of orthopedic devices (walker, crutches), under the supervision of the medical team.

Recovery involves a personalized physiotherapy program designed to help patients regain mobility as quickly as possible. The recovery program is adjusted according to each patient's particularities – age, degree of osteoarthritis, and other associated conditions.

Why choose Topmed Medical Center Târgu Mureș for joint replacement?

At Topmed Medical Center Târgu Mureș, we pride ourselves on extensive experience in replacing large joints such as the hip, knee, and shoulder, as well as smaller joints like the elbow. Our team of orthopedic surgeons specializes in minimally invasive techniques, which ensure:

• Minimal postoperative pain and rapid recovery.
• Short hospitalization and faster discontinuation of orthopedic support.
• Low risk of prosthesis dislocation due to modern approaches used.

The prostheses implanted at Topmed Târgu Mureș are perfectly adapted to each patient's anatomy and come from internationally renowned manufacturers, guaranteeing long life and optimal functionality. The interventions are performed by a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and physiotherapists, who collaborate to provide a complete and efficient treatment pathway – from consultation to recovery.

Another major advantage is that many of these procedures are partially reimbursed by CNAS through the national endoprosthesis program, giving patients access to high-quality treatments without significant additional costs.