Joint replacement surgery benefits patients with advanced joint disease (usually of the knee/ hip) who have been treated non-surgically but still experience pain and function decline. Joint replacement surgery is usually accomplished as a minimally invasive procedure, which requires minimal incisions, requires less time to stay in the hospital, and has a faster recovery time.
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which parts of your arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic or ceramic device, a prosthesis. The prosthesis replicates the movement of a normal, healthy joint. Hip and knee replacements are the most commonly performed joint replacements, but replacement surgery can be performed on other joints, including your ankle, wrist, shoulder, and elbow. A joint is where the ends of two or more bones meet. There are different types of joints within your body. The knee is a hinge joint because it bends and straightens like a hinged door. The hip and shoulder are ball-and-socket joints. The rounded end of one bone fits into a cup or socket within another bone. Joint pain is caused by damage to the cartilage that lines the ends of the bones caused from arthritis, a fracture, or another condition. If nonsurgical treatments, medications, physical therapy, and changes to your everyday activities, do not relieve your pain and disability,  Orthopedic surgeon may recommend total joint replacement. The most common reason for joint replacement surgery is to relieve severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. People who need knee or hip replacement surgery usually have problems walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. Total joint replacement surgery takes a few hours. The procedure is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center.