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

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

Answer: Arthroplasty is joint replacement surgery. The most common joints to be replaced are the hip and the knee. But some patients with rheumatoid arthritis will have replacements of their shoulders, their elbows, and sometimes even their ankles. This surgery is reserved for patients with end-stage disease. When the joint is destroyed and no medication can fix that, a joint replacement can offer patients better range of motion and decrease in pain. These can be very effective therapies for patients who have end-stage disease.

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