What is Arthroplasty? An overview of joint replacement surgery

By Cristiano Antonino Last updated May 18, 2023

The definition of arthroplasty is surgical joint replacement. During the procedure, the healthcare provider removes a damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial joint

The artificial joint (prosthesis) can be made of metal, ceramic or durable plastic

The new joint resembles the natural joint and moves in a similar way.

Surgeons can replace joints in any part of the body, but the most common types of arthroplasty are hip replacement and knee replacement.

Most people who undergo this procedure require a total joint replacement.

A small number of people are good candidates for a partial joint replacement.

This procedure only replaces the part of the joint that is damaged.

Recovery time for arthroplasty varies.

It depends on your age and lifestyle, the type of procedure, and the joint you replaced.

Who needs arthroplasty (joint replacement)?

Your surgeon may recommend arthroplasty if you have:

Joint pain that has not improved with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy (PT), medication, braces, injections, walking aids and rest.
Joint stiffness and limited mobility that make it difficult or impossible to perform daily activities.
Swelling (inflammation) that does not improve with medication or lifestyle changes.

These symptoms can result from a variety of conditions, including:

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Fractures, including a hip fracture.
Joint abnormalities, such as hip dysplasia.
Avascular necrosis (lack of blood supply to the bone).

These symptoms can result from a variety of conditions, including:

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Fractures, including a hip fracture.
Joint abnormalities, such as hip dysplasia.
Avascular necrosis (lack of blood supply to the bone).

Which joints do orthopaedic surgeons replace?

Very often, surgeons replace the hip joint, the knee joint or the shoulder joint.

Currently, surgeons can replace all of the following joints:

Ankles.
Elbows.
Hips.
Knees.
Shoulders.
Toes.
Wrists.

What happens before arthroplasty (joint replacement)?

Your hospital will help you prepare for the procedure.

They may recommend physical therapy, exercise or a dietary programme to follow in the weeks leading up to surgery.

These programmes can ensure that you are in good health for the operation.

Before your arthroplasty, you may need several tests to assess your general health such as blood tests, an electrocardiogram, and a chest X-ray.

Depending on your medical history, you may need to visit your general practitioner or another specialist for a pre-operative evaluation.

Some procedures require a CT scan or MRI for surgical planning.

Inform your practitioner of your medical history and any medications you are taking.

You may need to stop taking certain medications (such as blood thinners) before surgery.

Your provider will tell you what time to stop eating and drinking the night before the procedure.

What happens during arthroplasty?

You may undergo surgery in an outpatient clinic or in a hospital.

The technique used by the surgeon varies depending on the type of surgery and the joint to be replaced.

Immediately before the procedure, you will receive anaesthesia.

This ensures that you will not feel pain during the arthroplasty.

Your surgeon makes incisions (cuts) and removes the damaged joint.

They then replace it with an artificial joint.

They use stitches, staples or surgical glue to close the incisions.

Your provider wraps the joint in a bandage.

A brace or sling may also be needed.

Surgeons can perform some joint replacement procedures using minimally invasive techniques.

These techniques use fewer incisions and special instruments.

Recovery time for minimally invasive procedures may be less than for traditional procedures.

Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate procedure for you.

What happens after arthroplasty?

Depending on the type of procedure you have, you may go home the day of surgery or you may have to stay in the hospital for a day or two.

Talk to your provider about planning for recovery.

You will need to have someone drive you home.

You may also need help getting around or doing activities such as laundry or bathing.

After the procedure, you will feel some pain.

The first few days after the procedure, you should:

Avoid physical activity. Take time to rest while you recover from the surgery. Your doctor may recommend that you put ice or a cold pack on your new joint for about 20 minutes at a time.
Carry out your physical therapy and exercise programme at home as prescribed. It is important to follow the provider’s instructions. Not only will they help in your recovery to restore function, but they will also help protect the new joint.
Elevate. Depending on the joint you replaced, your provider may advise you to keep the joint elevated while resting. For example, if you have had a knee replacement, rest your foot on a stool or chair instead of on the floor.
Keep your incisions clean and covered. Follow your provider’s incision care instructions carefully. Ask your provider when you can remove the dressing, take a shower or bath after the procedure.
Take painkillers. Your provider may recommend over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescription painkillers. Be sure to follow your provider’s instructions when taking painkillers. You may also need medication to reduce swelling or prevent blood clots.

What are the benefits of arthroplasty (joint replacement)?

Joint replacement procedures can help you move without pain and stiffness.

After a joint replacement, many people can take part in activities they once enjoyed.

These surgeries greatly improve quality of life and overall health by allowing people to have an active lifestyle.

What are the risks or complications of arthroplasty?

As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications from arthroplasty.

Risks include:

Blood clots.
Infection.
Injury or damage to nerves around the replaced joint.
Joint stiffness, weakness or instability that may lead to a fracture.
Problems with the new joint, including dislocation.
You have a higher risk of complications from arthroplasty if you have certain health conditions.

Before surgery, inform your doctor if you have diabetes, haemophilia or an autoimmune disease such as lupus.

These conditions can make recovery from joint replacement more difficult.

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