Orthopedic joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, represents a significant advancement in the treatment of painful and disabling joint pathologies. Total joint replacement can be performed on any joints of the body, including the hip, knee, ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow, wrist and fingers. Of these procedures, hip and knee orthopedic joint replacement is by far the
most common.

A joint is formed by the ends of two or more bones connected by thick tissues. The bone ends of a joint are covered with a smooth layer called cartilage. Normal cartilage allows nearly frictionless and pain-free movement. When the cartilage is damaged or diseased by arthritis, joints become stiff and painful.

Cartilage acts as a shock absorber between your bones. Over time, it can wear away causing great pain and discomfort. During orthopedic joint replacement surgery, problem cartilage is removed and a new joint surface is created with metal and plastic. By removing problem cartilage and resurfacing the joint, pain is reduced and mobility improved.

The goal is to relieve the pain in the joint caused by the damage done to the cartilage. The pain may be so severe a person will avoid using the joint, weakening surrounding muscles and making it even more difficult to move the joint. A physical examination, laboratory tests and X-rays will show the extent of damage to the joint. Orthopedic joint replacement surgery will be considered if other treatment options will not relieve the pain and disability.

Treatment of the diseased joint does not end with surgical replacement. The ultimate goal is ensuring pain-free function of the joint to improve the patient's quality of life. As a result, postoperative rehabilitation is of the utmost importance.

• A total replacement may be necessary when a patient suffers from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and rotator cuff tear arthropathy
• Arthritic joint surfaces are replaced with a highly polished metal ball with a stem attached to the arm, and a plastic socket attached to the body
• Shoulder joint replacements are available in a variety of sizes to fit each patient's needs

• Damaged cartilage and bone are removed before new metal, plastic or ceramic joint surfaces are inserted
• May involve a hip replacement or a state-of-the-art hip resurfacing
• Removing damaged or arthritic cartilage decreases long-term pain and enables
  bone realignment
• The procedure may take several hours and rehabilitation is prescribed following the operation

• Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and traumatic arthritis are factors that may contribute to a total knee replacement
• During the two-hour procedure damaged cartilage and bone are replaced with new metal and plastic joint surfaces, restoring alignment of the knee

• Restores comfort and functional mechanics to elbows damaged by rheumatoid arthritis
• Performed by removing scar tissue, balancing muscles and inserting a joint replacement in place of the destroyed elbow
• The two-hour procedure is performed under general or nerve block anesthesia
• Elbow motion is started on the second day after the procedure, as soon as the incision
  is ready

• Performed when the ankle joint is no longer working well, especially because of rheumatoid or trauma-related arthritis
• Trauma-related arthritis can occur when the joint is injured by fracture, dislocation or with damage to the ligaments around the joint
• Surgeon removes an injured ankle joint and replaces it with a plastic and metal joint

• Used as a last resort for severe arthritis that can't be treated by other methods
• Part of the joint causing pain is removed and replaced with artificial parts
• Patients experience increased mobility and a reduction in arthritic pain