Joint Replacement

Joint replacement, a surgical procedure to remove and replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint (called a prosthesis), may be considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain and/or disability.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than half a million hip and knee replacements were performed in 2003.

Hips, knees and shoulders are the most common joints that require replacement. They are the largest joint systems in the body, and because they tend to get the most use, they are more susceptible to injury. They’re often affected by disease and also wear down with age.

Many joint-replacement patients enjoy activities they formerly thought impossible -- everything from a simple walk to 36 holes of golf a day. For some, joint-replacement surgery is the start of a whole new life.

Arthritis is the most frequent reason for total joint replacement. Joint replacement provides relief from joint pain, stiffness and immobility. Depending on a number of factors, most patients can expect a new joint to last 15 years or more.

Click on the various topics at left for more information on specific joint replacement, including our exciting news about knee joints designed specifically for women.