Health A-Z

Joint replacement arthroplasty is a surgical procedure performed to replace a damaged joint with an artificial implant, typically made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. The most common joints that undergo replacement arthroplasty include the hip, knee, and shoulder.

1. Pain: Chronic joint pain that limits daily activities.
2. Stiffness: Difficulty in moving the joint, especially after periods of inactivity.
3. Swelling: Inflammation and swelling around the joint.
4. Decreased mobility: Difficulty in performing routine movements.
5. Joint deformity: Changes in the shape or alignment of the joint.

1. Conservative Management:
   • Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain relievers, and corticosteroid injections to manage pain and inflammation.
   • Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve joint strength, flexibility, and mobility.
   • Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, activity modification, and assistive devices (cane, walker) to reduce stress on the joint.
2. Surgical Intervention:
   • Joint Replacement Arthroplasty: Recommended when conservative treatments fail to provide relief or in severe cases of joint damage.
   • Preoperative Evaluation: Assessment of overall health and fitness for surgery, including medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.
   • Surgery: The damaged joint is replaced with an artificial implant through a surgical procedure. Different surgical approaches and types of implants are available based on the specific joint and patient factors.
   • Postoperative Rehabilitation: Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises to restore joint function, strengthen muscles, and aid in recovery.

1. Physical Examination: A thorough examination by a healthcare professional to assess the joint's range of motion, stability, and signs of inflammation.
2. Imaging Studies:
   • X-rays: To visualize the extent of joint damage, bone spurs, and narrowing of joint space.
   • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, cartilage, and ligaments, helpful in assessing the severity of damage.
   • CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: Offers detailed images of bones and surrounding tissues, useful for complex cases.
3. Blood Tests: To rule out conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or infection.
4. Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis): A procedure to withdraw synovial fluid from the joint for analysis, helpful in diagnosing infection or inflammation.