Patient Education: Joint Replacement

What is Joint Replacement Surgery and who needs it?

Joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which an arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. The materials used in these prostheses are designed to enable the joint to move just like your normal joint.

Hip and knee replacements are the most common forms of joint replacements, but replacement can also be performed on other joints, including shoulders, toes, thumbs, and elbows. 

The vast majority of joint replacement patients are people who suffer from pain, stiffness, and loss of function because their joints have worn out due to arthritis. Joint replacement can also be performed on patient’s who have chronic illness, congenital deformities, injuries that did not heal properly, or any other condition that may cause frustrating pain and / or loss of mobility.

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