From the Guidelines
Arthroplasty, also known as joint replacement surgery, is a surgical procedure where a damaged or arthritic joint is replaced with an artificial one, typically made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials.
Key Points
- The goal of arthroplasty is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life for patients with severe joint damage or arthritis 1.
- The decision to proceed with arthroplasty should be made through a shared decision-making process between the patient and physician, taking into account the unique risks and benefits for the individual patient 1.
- Arthroplasty is commonly performed on the hip and knee joints, but can also be performed on other joints such as the shoulder, elbow, and ankle.
- The procedure typically involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with a prosthetic joint, which is secured to the surrounding bone using cement or other fixation methods.
- Postoperative care and rehabilitation are crucial to ensure a successful outcome and to minimize the risk of complications 1.
Indications and Contraindications
- Arthroplasty is typically indicated for patients with severe joint damage or arthritis who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections 1.
- Contraindications for arthroplasty include active infection, severe bone loss, or certain medical conditions that may increase the risk of complications 1.
Types of Arthroplasty
- Total joint arthroplasty (TJA): involves replacing the entire joint with a prosthetic one.
- Hemiarthroplasty: involves replacing only one side of the joint with a prosthetic one.
- Resurfacing arthroplasty: involves replacing only the damaged surface of the joint with a prosthetic one.
Risks and Complications
- Infection: a potential complication of arthroplasty, which can be minimized with proper postoperative care and antibiotic prophylaxis 1.
- Blood clots: a potential complication of arthroplasty, which can be minimized with proper mobilization and anticoagulation therapy.
- Nerve damage: a potential complication of arthroplasty, which can result in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected limb.
From the Research
Definition of Arthroplasty
Arthroplasty, also known as joint replacement surgery, is a medical procedure where a damaged or arthritic joint is replaced with an artificial one. This surgery is often performed to relieve pain and improve functional ability in patients with severe joint damage or arthritis.
Types of Arthroplasty
- Total hip arthroplasty (THA): replacement of the hip joint with an artificial one 2, 3
- Total knee arthroplasty (TKA): replacement of the knee joint with an artificial one 2, 4, 5
- Shoulder arthroplasty: replacement of the shoulder joint with an artificial one 2
- Elbow arthroplasty: replacement of the elbow joint with an artificial one 2
- Ankle arthroplasty: replacement of the ankle joint with an artificial one 2
Indications for Arthroplasty
- Osteoarthritis: a common indication for joint replacement surgery 2, 4, 5
- Rheumatoid arthritis: may also require joint replacement surgery 5
- Trauma: joint damage due to injury may require arthroplasty 3
- Hallux rigidus: a condition that affects the big toe joint, may require arthroplasty 6
Benefits of Arthroplasty
- Pain relief: arthroplasty can significantly reduce or eliminate joint pain 2, 4, 6
- Improved functional ability: arthroplasty can improve mobility and functional ability in patients with severe joint damage or arthritis 2, 4, 6
- Improved quality of life: arthroplasty can improve overall quality of life by reducing pain and improving functional ability 4, 6