Arthroplasty is joint replacement surgery. People may undergo arthroplasty to treat arthritis or other joint problems if nonsurgical treatments have not worked.
During an arthroplasty, surgeons remove damaged areas of a joint and replace them with an artificial joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. A surgeon may replace part of the joint or all of it. The new joint will move in the same way as a natural joint.
This article discusses the purpose of arthroplasty, possible risks, outlook, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
Conditions that may require joint replacement include severe joint disease or joint problems, such as:
- arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- joint injuries and fractures
- joint infections
- osteonecrosis, a rare condition in which bone cells die from a lack of blood flow
People may need arthroplasty if their symptoms do not respond to nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy and medications. Symptoms may include:
- joint pain
- joint instability
- limited range of motion
- stiffness
- swelling
The most common types of arthroplasties are hip and knee joint replacements. People may also have arthroplasty for other joints, including the:
- ankle
- elbow
- shoulder
- wrist
People may have arthroplasty in a hospital or outpatient surgery facility.
Before surgery, an anesthetist
The length of surgery may depend on the procedure and the extent of the joint damage, but it may take a few hours. A surgeon will carry out arthroplasty by:
- making an incision into the area of the affected joint
- removing the damaged cartilage and bone from the joint
- replacing the areas of damage with a prosthetic joint
- closing the incision
People may have traditional joint replacement or robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery. With a traditional approach, a surgeon will use guides and instruments to resurface the bone and align joints.
With robotic-assisted joint replacement, a surgeon will use robotic tools to plan and carry out the surgery. This may help improve precision and protect surrounding healthy tissues.
Before surgery, people will talk with their doctor about what to expect and how to reduce risks. Ways to help prevent complications and improve recovery include:
- quitting smoking if people smoke, as this can increase surgical risks and slow healing
- eating a nutritious, balanced diet
- losing excess weight if necessary, which will help reduce stress on the new joint
- avoiding any alcohol for a minimum of 48 hours before surgery
- telling a doctor about any medications, supplements, or recreational drugs they are taking, as these may affect how the body metabolizes certain drugs
- doing exercises to strengthen the muscles, to help aid recovery
- avoiding scheduling any dental work in the weeks before or after surgery, as this can increase the risk of infection
- washing with an antibacterial soap the night before surgery to reduce the risk of infection
A surgeon will also discuss the different options for surgery and which procedure may provide the best outcome.
Tests before surgery
A doctor may carry out the following medical tests to check that people are healthy enough for surgery:
- blood tests
- urine tests
- electrocardiogram (ECG)
- chest X-ray
People will have to stop eating and drinking several hours before surgery to prevent material in the stomach from entering the lungs. People will also need to arrange for someone to drive them home afterward.
After surgery, a person will remain in a recovery room so healthcare professionals can monitor their vital signs.
Once they are safe to go home, a person must follow their surgeon’s instructions for caring for their incision wounds.
Following surgery, a person may be able to bear weight on the joint, but they may need assistive devices such as a cane or walker for a few days or weeks.
A doctor or physical therapist will review some exercises to practice at home, which is an important part of recovery.
Physical therapy
People may experience pain for a few weeks or months following arthroplasty, but pain medications can help manage this.
A person may be able to return to their normal activities 6 to 12 weeks after surgery.
As with all major surgeries, arthroplasty does carry risks. Complications that may occur with arthroplasty include:
- infection
- blood clots
- injury to nerves or blood vessels
- problems with the prosthetic joint, such as dislocation or loosening
Joint replacement surgery may increase the risk of heart problems, particularly in the 90 days following surgery. This includes irregular heartbeat and heart attack.
The risk of heart problems with joint replacement surgery is low but may increase if people also have other health conditions, such as diabetes.
Getting as healthy as possible before an arthroplasty can help reduce these risks.
Read about diabetes and wound healing.
Arthroplasty may have long-lasting results. A knee or hip replacement may last 20 years or more.
In most cases, arthroplasty may effectively treat arthritis of the hip or knee for the rest of a person’s lifetime.
People will need to contact a doctor right away if they have any of the following symptoms after arthroplasty:
- tenderness or increased pain or swelling in the legs or feet, which may indicate a blood clot
- sudden chest pain, including pain with coughing
- sudden shortness of breath
- persistent fever, with an oral temperature above 100°F (38°C)
- chills
- increased swelling and tenderness around the incision
- oozing from the incision
- increasing pain around the affected joint with both activity and rest
According to the American College of Rheumatology, total joint replacement is one of the most reliable and safe medical treatments.
The speed of recovery after arthroplasty can depend on a person’s overall health and fitness, the type of surgery, and the extent of the joint problem before surgery.
Joint replacement is
Is arthritis cured with arthroplasty?
Arthroplasty is not a cure for arthritis, but it can help relieve symptoms. Arthritis is a progressive condition that people must continue to manage with lifestyle changes and medication.
Is arthroplasty considered major surgery?
Arthroplasty is a major surgery, and it can take several weeks to recover from the procedure.
What is the difference between arthroscopy and arthroplasty?
Arthroplasty is a major surgery to replace a damaged joint. Arthroscopy is a minor surgery to examine the inside of a joint, which helps doctors diagnose and treat certain joint problems.
Arthroplasty is surgery to replace a damaged joint. Hip and knee replacements are common types of arthroplasties.
Arthroplasty may be an effective, long-term treatment for arthritis and other joint damage.
People will need to follow any instructions from a doctor to prepare for surgery and ensure the best recovery.