The Center for Arthritis and Joint Replacement

What is total joint replacement?

In total joint replacement, a seriously arthritic or damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with an artificial joint called a 'prosthesis.' The prosthetic joint typically is made of metal and plastic.

When is total joint replacement necessary?

Total joint replacement is indicated when arthritis or injury to a joint, typically the knee, hip or shoulder, causes severe pain and disability that cannot be relieved by other treatment options.

Total joint replacement frequently is used to replace joints that have been severely damaged by arthritis. This disease attacks the cartilage, a smooth layer of tissue that covers the bone ends of a joint to permit friction-free, painless movement.

You may benefit from joint replacement surgery if:

• joint pain limits your everyday activities;
  
• the pain continues even while resting;
  
• you gain little relief from medications or experience unpleasant or harmful side-effects from them; and
  
• other treatments such as physical therapy are not effective.

What's the outlook for total joint replacement patients?

More than 168,000 total hip replacements and more than 267,000 total knee replacements are performed in the United States each year. Total joint replacement surgery is successful in more than 90 percent of patients, enabling them to enjoy years of pain-free living and personal mobility that would not have been possible otherwise.

Our physicians and other health care professionals are dedicated to providing the best and most advanced specialty treatments. Visit our Physicians and Providers page for more information about our doctors on staff.

Click here to schedule an appointment.