Joint Replacement

Joint replacement surgery removes damaged or diseased areas of a patient’s joint and replaces them with new, man-made parts. Surgery is usually the last line of treatment after options such as physical therapy or medication have not worked, but is a highly effective way to eliminate joint pain, correct a deformity, and help improve a patient’s mobility.

Patients who are considered for joint replacement surgery often have severe joint pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, limited motion, and swelling. These issues may cause them to have trouble with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting dressed. The most common joints that qualify for replacement surgery are hip and knee, but other joints may be replaced depending on the joint damage and it’s affect on the patient’s health and quality of life.

WHAT CAUSES JOINT PROBLEMS?

The most common causes for joints to become damaged are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While the cause of arthritis is unknown, several factors may contribute to its development including:

  • Hereditary risk
  • Problems in joint development
  • Genetic cartilage problems
  • Repetitive minor injuries
  • Severe injury or trauma to the joint cartilage