Joint replacement (artificial joint)
Joint replacement is a surgical option for advanced arthritis when pain and functional limitation are no longer adequately controlled with non-surgical treatment.
What joint replacement does
Joint replacement removes the damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with artificial components designed to create a smoother, lower-friction joint. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore function.
When it becomes appropriate
Joint replacement is usually considered when arthritis causes persistent pain, stiffness, deformity, walking limitation, sleep disturbance, or loss of activities of daily living despite a reasonable non-surgical program.
Hip and knee replacement
- Hip replacement: when hip arthritis requires surgery, treatment is usually total hip replacement, because both sides of the arthritic hip joint are replaced.
- Knee replacement: some patients with arthritis limited to one compartment may be candidates for partial knee replacement, but most patients who need surgery for advanced knee arthritis require total knee replacement.
Expected role of surgery
Joint replacement is not intended to make the joint completely normal again, but it is often the most predictable surgical option for severe arthritis when symptoms have become unacceptable. The decision should consider pain, function, imaging, medical fitness, risks, recovery expectations, and patient goals.