Joint replacement is a surgery to replace a badly damaged joint with an artificial one. It is most often done for the knee and hip, and sometimes for the shoulder or elbow.
When it is recommended
Joint replacement is considered when joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or deformity makes daily life difficult, including walking, climbing stairs, working, sleeping, or doing household tasks. It is commonly used for advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post‑traumatic arthritis, severe joint deformity, avascular necrosis, and extensive cartilage or bone damage. Surgery is usually planned only after non‑surgical treatments such as medicines, physiotherapy, activity modification, weight management, and selected injections have been tried and have not given enough lasting relief.
About the procedure
During joint replacement, the damaged joint surfaces are carefully removed and replaced with artificial components designed to restore natural movement and load‑bearing function. In knee replacement, the worn ends of the thigh bone and shin bone, and sometimes the back of the kneecap, are resurfaced and capped with metal and plastic implants. In hip replacement, the damaged ball of the hip joint is replaced with a prosthetic ball and stem, and the socket may also be resurfaced or lined with a new implant depending on the extent of damage.
Surgical planning includes a detailed physical examination, X‑rays, and sometimes additional imaging such as CT or MRI scans to get a clearer picture of bone quality or deformity. Depending on your anatomy and the complexity of the case, the surgeon may use conventional instruments or technology‑assisted techniques such as computer navigation to achieve accurate alignment. At Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Areekode, joint replacement is planned with close attention to implant selection, precise alignment, soft‑tissue balance, and preservation of appropriate joint function and range of motion. The overall goal is to reduce pain, restore stability, and improve long‑term mobility and independence in everyday life.
