Joint Replacement and Electrical Stimulation
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Joint replacement is a hugely successful procedure for most people, allowing them to live a normal life. After what was for many people a painful existence, joint replacement provides pain-free access to physical activity.
In a low minority of cases, though, problems could develop post-surgery. the biggest culprit in these cases is infection. in fact, this possibility is so strong that it scares some candidates away from going through with the surgery. This, of course, is a mistake, as surgery is hugely beneficial most of the time. Innovative healthcare companies are always trying to address problems in the system, and this is no exception.
What’s the problem?
Any time someone has surgery, there’s always the risk that he can develop an infection at the site of the incision. When there’s an open wound, bacteria can enter into the bloodstream and create infection. Not only does this slow recovery, it becomes painful for the patient and often requires further surgery to clean up the mess. This complicates matters, and in some cases the patient ends up worse than when he started.
What’s the solution?
Hospitals work hard to maintain sterile and hygienically sound environments. Masks, gloves and cleaning equipment all go toward that goal. this is why in most cases the surgery proceeds as planned, and the patient goes home spic and span and all put back together. But no matter the precautions, hospitals right now cannot achieve 100% perfection in eliminating the risk of bacteria and infection in surgery. It’s certain that bacteria will develop, and in some cases turn into infection.
With this in mind, companies are now working on life-saving innovations that aim to wipe out the bacteria and ward off infection and surgery. Garwood Medical Devices, based in Buffalo, New York, is a biotechnology company that is working together with Buffalo University’s Institute for Genomics and Data Analytics. Together, they are developing a product that provides electrical stimulation at the site of incision. This stimulation kills bacteria in the area, keeping it clean and healthy.
How does it work?
The device is made up of a small electrical box, two attached skin patches, and a long needle. The needle gets inserted into the site of the incision, and the electrical box provides a steady electrical pulse. The electricity wipes out around ninety-eight percent of bacteria in the region. It’s not perfect, but it’s much better that what exists right now. The company envisions fewer infection-related surgeries and millions of dollars in savings for hospitals.
Joint replacement can be better
With this new technology, candidates can go into surgery with more confidence about the outcome. With thousands of joint replacement surgeries each year, that means more patient with successful surgeries and increased healthy living.
Post-surgery, patients generally need time in a rehabilitation facility to recover. While there, they receive excellent physical and occupational therapy to learn how to function with their new joints. They get the help they need to feel better about their new lifestyle, so they can go home to regular daily living.
At Sinai Post Acute Care, we offer excellent post joint replacement rehabilitation so you can recover quickly. Our doctors, nurses, therapists and other staff provide caring and expert treatment.