Arthroplasty - Surgical Treatment for Advanced Arthritis
Updated June 08, 2015.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Arthroplasty is an orthopedic surgical procedure that refers to resurfacing or replacing a joint that is damaged from arthritis or osteonecrosis. The arthroplasty can resurface or replace all or part of the joint (partial or total).
Typically, an orthopedic surgeon decides that an arthroplasty is needed when conservative treatments have been tried but failed to yield a successful outcome. The outcome for arthroplasty is considered successful if, after surgery, there is no pain or greatly reduced pain in the affected joint, improved range of motion and joint function, and improved muscle strength surrounding the joint.
Total Knee Arthroplasty
The first total knee replacement was performed in 1968. The procedure is one of the most important orthopedic surgical advances of the 20th century. The knee replacement prosthesis, which consists of three components, replaces your damaged knee joint.
Total Knee Replacement vs. Partial Knee Replacement
In some knee osteoarthritis patients, only one compartment of the knee is affected. A partial or unicondylar knee replacement, as its name suggests, replaces only the affected compartment of the knee, as opposed to a total knee replacement, which involves replacement of all three compartments of the knee.
Total Hip Arthroplasty
The first total hip replacement was devised in 1962 by Sir John Charnley of England. The first FDA-approved total hip replacement was implanted in 1969. The components of the traditional hip replacement include the femoral component (ball and stem) and the acetabular component (cup).
Hip Revision
Over time, a hip arthroplasty can fail. If that occurs, a hip revision is needed.
The most common reasons for hip revision surgery include implant dislocation, implant loosening, and infection.
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System
The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System was the first FDA-approved hip resurfacing system available for use in the United States. Hip resurfacing is an alternative to traditional total hip replacement and is appropriate for some arthritis patients.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
When shoulder arthroplasty is performed, the ball is removed from the top of the humerus and replaced with a metal implant, then attached to a stem inserted down the center of the arm bone. The socket portion of the joint is shaved and replaced with a plastic socket that is cemented into the scapula.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
A reverse shoulder replacement, also referred to as a reverse total shoulder replacement, is a surgical option for patients who would not be helped by a standard total shoulder replacement because they have rotator cuff damage along with shoulder osteoarthritis.
Ankle Arthroplasty
A total ankle arthroplasty is joint replacement surgery of the ankle joint. Total ankle replacements have been available for more than 30 years.
Knuckle Replacement
When you think of joint replacement, hips and knees usually come to mind. Many people don't know that shoulders and elbows can also be surgically replaced. And even fewer people realize that small joints, like the knuckles of your hand, can be replaced.
Joint Surgery for Osteoarthritis: An Overview
You need to discuss with your doctor which type of joint surgery is appropriate for you -- not every joint surgery is a total joint replacement.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Arthroplasty is an orthopedic surgical procedure that refers to resurfacing or replacing a joint that is damaged from arthritis or osteonecrosis. The arthroplasty can resurface or replace all or part of the joint (partial or total).
Typically, an orthopedic surgeon decides that an arthroplasty is needed when conservative treatments have been tried but failed to yield a successful outcome. The outcome for arthroplasty is considered successful if, after surgery, there is no pain or greatly reduced pain in the affected joint, improved range of motion and joint function, and improved muscle strength surrounding the joint.
Total Knee Arthroplasty
The first total knee replacement was performed in 1968. The procedure is one of the most important orthopedic surgical advances of the 20th century. The knee replacement prosthesis, which consists of three components, replaces your damaged knee joint.
Total Knee Replacement vs. Partial Knee Replacement
In some knee osteoarthritis patients, only one compartment of the knee is affected. A partial or unicondylar knee replacement, as its name suggests, replaces only the affected compartment of the knee, as opposed to a total knee replacement, which involves replacement of all three compartments of the knee.
Total Hip Arthroplasty
The first total hip replacement was devised in 1962 by Sir John Charnley of England. The first FDA-approved total hip replacement was implanted in 1969. The components of the traditional hip replacement include the femoral component (ball and stem) and the acetabular component (cup).
Hip Revision
Over time, a hip arthroplasty can fail. If that occurs, a hip revision is needed.
The most common reasons for hip revision surgery include implant dislocation, implant loosening, and infection.
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System
The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System was the first FDA-approved hip resurfacing system available for use in the United States. Hip resurfacing is an alternative to traditional total hip replacement and is appropriate for some arthritis patients.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
When shoulder arthroplasty is performed, the ball is removed from the top of the humerus and replaced with a metal implant, then attached to a stem inserted down the center of the arm bone. The socket portion of the joint is shaved and replaced with a plastic socket that is cemented into the scapula.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
A reverse shoulder replacement, also referred to as a reverse total shoulder replacement, is a surgical option for patients who would not be helped by a standard total shoulder replacement because they have rotator cuff damage along with shoulder osteoarthritis.
Ankle Arthroplasty
A total ankle arthroplasty is joint replacement surgery of the ankle joint. Total ankle replacements have been available for more than 30 years.
Knuckle Replacement
When you think of joint replacement, hips and knees usually come to mind. Many people don't know that shoulders and elbows can also be surgically replaced. And even fewer people realize that small joints, like the knuckles of your hand, can be replaced.
Joint Surgery for Osteoarthritis: An Overview
You need to discuss with your doctor which type of joint surgery is appropriate for you -- not every joint surgery is a total joint replacement.