Knee / Hip Replacement

Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure where parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic or ceramic device called a prosthesis or implant. The prosthesis is designed to reproduce the shape and motion of the normal joint.

A joint is an area in the body where two or more bones join together to allow motion. The surfaces of the bones are covered with cartilage to form a normal smooth gliding joint. Over time this cartilage can break down, leading to bone-on-bone friction which can cause inflammation and pain.

The most common conditions that lead to joint replacement surgery are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There are, however, other causes of joint pain that may also lead to joint replacement including hereditary disorders, developmental problems, and trauma. Joint replacement is performed only after other conservative treatments have failed such as medications, physical therapy, and injections.