Joint Replacement
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Joint replacement means removing part or all of a damaged joint and installing hardware to allow the limb to move without pain or limitations. The replacement hardware is called a prosthesis. These are made of plastic, metal, ceramic, or a combination of these materials. Most joint replacements are performed to treat damage from arthritis to the knees or hips. Orthopedic surgeons do the procedure under general anesthesia.
Types of joint replacement surgery
- In hip replacement, surgeons replace the ball and the socket of the hip with various forms of metal, polyethylene, and ceramic tailors to the patient’s needs.
- In a knee replacement, surgeons remove arthritic surfaces and resurface the knee with metal and polyethylene components.
- A partial knee replacement does the same as a full knee replacement, but for only one side of the joint. This can often provide a faster recovery, but it is limited to very specific patient cases.
What causes joint pain?
Joints can be damaged in various ways. Damage can be caused by trauma (e.g., car accident or bad fall), osteoarthritis or other rheumatological condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. General wear and tear associated with aging may also be a reason for joint damage. Not all joint pain requires surgery. Doctors may perform an x-ray to get a closer look at the joint that is causing pain.