Advice

A total joint replacement is commonly referred to as arthroplasty. Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure where a damaged joint is replaced with an artificial prosthesis made of metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination of these materials. The goal of arthroplasty is to relieve pain, restore joint function, and improve the patient’s quality of life when conservative treatments are no longer effective in managing joint problems.

Total joint replacement is commonly performed on major weight-bearing joints such as the hip and knee, but it can also be done on other joints like the shoulder, ankle, or elbow when necessary. The specific type of joint replacement surgery will be named based on the joint being replaced, for example:

1. Total Hip Replacement (THR): Replacement of the hip joint with an artificial hip prosthesis.
2. Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Replacement of the knee joint with an artificial knee prosthesis.
3. Total Shoulder Replacement: Replacement of the shoulder joint with an artificial shoulder prosthesis.
4. Total Ankle Replacement: Replacement of the ankle joint with an artificial ankle prosthesis.

Each type of joint replacement surgery aims to address joint pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall joint function to help patients resume their daily activities and improve their quality of life.