What Is Total Joint Replacement ?

Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which certain parts of an arthritic or damaged joint, such as a hip or knee joint, are removed and replaced with a plastic or metal device called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to enable the artificial joint to move just like a normal, healthy joint.

Total joint replacements of the hip and knee have been performed since the 1960s. Today, these procedures have been found to result in significant restoration of function and reduction of pain in 90% to 95% of patients. While the expected life of conventional joint replacements is difficult to estimate, it is not unlimited. Today's patients can look forward to potentially benefiting from new advances that may increase the lifetime of hip and knee prostheses.

Recent Advances in Total Joint Replacement

As successful as most of joint replacement procedures are, over the years, the artificial joints can become loose and unstable, requiring a revision (repeat) surgery.

These issues— together with the fact that increasing numbers of younger and more active patients are receiving total joint replacements, and older patients are living longer— have challenged the orthopaedic industry to try to extend the life cycle of total joint replacements.

Recent improvements in surgical techniques and instrumentation will help to further the success of your treatment. The availability of advanced materials, such as titanium and ceramic prostheses and new plastic joint liners, provides orthopaedic surgeons with options that may help to increase the longevity of the prosthesis.