Whether it’s your knee, hip or something else, joint replacement surgery can help those struggling with severe pain. Procedures are much less invasive today than in previous generations; incisions are smaller, fewer muscles and tendons are disrupted. You will experience less pain, fewer complications and a quicker recovery.
Joint replacement is an option for people with pain and stiffness in their joints. The pain is usually chronic, lasts for several months and contributes to a poor quality of life.
During joint replacement surgery, an artificial joint, made of metal, ceramic or plastic, will replace the deteriorated joint. The most common joint replacement surgeries are ankle, hip, knee and shoulder.
Ankle replacement surgery
During ankle replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the worn out ankle joint and places a metal and plastic implant on the end of the shin bone (tibia) and the top of the ankle bone (talus). Ankle replacement is usually an option (compared to ankle fusion) for certain patients with advanced ankle arthritis. Your surgeon will discuss your options and help you decide which prosthesis or technique is best for you.
Hip replacement surgery
During the operation, the surgeon replaces the damaged joint with an artificial hip joint. Different types of artificial hip joints, also called prostheses, are available. Usually, the surgeon uses metal and plastic materials to replace the socket of the pelvic bone. Sometimes, other materials, such as ceramic, are used. The operation involves removing the head of the femur (the top of the thigh bone between the hip and knee joint) and replacing it with a ball. A stem attached to the ball holds the ball in the femur. Your surgeon will discuss your options and help you decide which prosthesis or technique is best for you.
Is hip replacement surgery right for me?
Knee replacement surgery
The knee is a complex joint with many components, making it vulnerable to a variety of injuries. During the operation, the surgeon resurfaces the damaged joint with an artificial knee joint. Different types of artificial knee joints, also called prostheses, are available. Usually, prostheses are made of metal and plastic materials. Sometimes, other materials are used. Your surgeon will discuss your options and help you decide which prosthesis or technique is best for you.
Is knee replacement surgery right for me?
Shoulder replacement surgery
In shoulder replacement surgery, the surgeon replaces the end of the damaged upper arm bone (humerus) and resurfaces the shoulder socket (scapula). For some chronic rotator cuff injuries, a reverse arthroplasty is recommended. Your surgeon will discuss your options and help you decide which prosthesis or technique is best for you.
Is shoulder surgery right for me?