Arthroplasty is also known as joint replacement surgery.
A joint replacement is an orthopedic surgery designed to remove an arthritic or damaged joint and replace it with a metal, plastic, or ceramic device known as a prosthetic implant. The implant is designed to function in the same way that a normal, healthy joint does.
Arthroplasty is generally performed on people suffering from severe pain and disabling joint stiffness that result from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Total joint replacement is usually reserved for people over the age of 60.
Although hip and knee replacements are the most commonly performed joint replacements, replacement surgery can be performed on other joints, too, including the ankle, wrist, shoulder, and elbow.
Several conditions can cause joint pain and disability and lead you to consider joint replacement surgery. In many cases, your joint pain may be caused by damage to the articular cartilage that lines the ends of your bones. This damage may have been caused by arthritis, a fracture, or another condition.
If nonsurgical treatments like medications, physical therapy, and changes to your everyday activities do not relieve your pain or disability, your orthopedic specialist may recommend total joint replacement.
The Signature Medical Group practitioners are board-certified orthopedic surgeons whose expertise, experience, and leadership in their profession translate into exceptional medical care and treatment for you.
If you are in St. Louis or Kansas City and are in need of a total joint replacement, contact one of our orthopedic specialists today to schedule an evaluation.