What Is Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement) And When Is It Used To Treat Pain Resulting From Osteoarthritis?

— -- Question: What is arthroplasty (joint replacement) and when is it used to treat pain resulting from osteoarthritis?

Answer: Arthroplasty, in short, is joint replacement. Joint replacement is when the painful surfaces of the moving joint are removed and replaced with metal, polyethylene and or other biomaterials. Joint replacement is most commonly used for the hip and the knee, although it can be used for other joints in the body.

As a joint replacement surgeon who does partial and total knee replacements, as well as total hip replacements and hip resurfacing procedures, I find that joint replacement is most appropriate for patients who have suffered severe problems with their quality of life being diminished by their osteoarthritis.

This usually manifests as patients who cannot sleep at night due to osteoarthritis pain, patients who cannot work or do their activities of daily living due to arthritis pain, and or patients who have a significant problem with the number of good days they have because of their arthritis pain.

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