What is Joint Replacement Surgery?

joint replacement, is surgery to replace a damaged joint with an artificial joint (made of metal, ceramic or plastic). Providers usually replace the entire joint (total joint replacement). Less often, they replace only the damaged part of the joint. Hips, knees and shoulders are the most common joints they replace.

As you age, getting knee pain may become more common. You’re also more at risk of getting knee pain if you are overweight. Knee pain may sometimes be the result of a sports or other injury.

Causes

• Joint pain that hasn’t gotten better with nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy (PT), medications, bracing, injections, walking assistive devices and rest. Joint stiffness and limited mobility that make it difficult or impossible for you to do your everyday activities.
• Swelling (inflammation) that doesn’t improve with medications or lifestyle changes.

Syptoms

• Arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Fractures, including a hip fracture.
• Joint abnormalities, such as hip dysplasia.
• Avascular necrosis (lack of blood supply to the bone)