Arthroplasty
Joint replacement surgery where a worn joint is resurfaced with metal, plastic, or ceramic implants to restore pain-free motion.
What the word means
Arthroplasty combines arthro (joint) and plasty (to shape or reconstruct). It’s the surgical solution when a joint is too damaged for repair. Instead of fixing the cartilage and bone, the surgeon removes the worn surfaces and replaces them with artificial components—typically a combination of metal and plastic, sometimes ceramic. The result is a functioning joint that can last 15–20 years or more.
Total versus partial replacement
Total arthroplasty (or total joint replacement) replaces the entire joint on both sides. A total knee replacement removes damaged cartilage from the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap and caps them with implants. A total hip replacement replaces both the ball (femoral head) and the socket.
Partial arthroplasty, or unicompartmental replacement, addresses only the worn compartment. A knee may have arthritis only on the inner (medial) side; a unicompartmental knee replacement preserves the outer (lateral) and kneecap compartments. A hemiarthroplasty (half-joint replacement) is sometimes done for hip fractures or avascular necrosis, replacing only the ball without changing the socket.
Common arthroplasty procedures at OSI
- Total knee replacement — the most common joint replacement overall. Excellent outcomes for advanced osteoarthritis.
- Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement — when wear is isolated to one side of the knee.
- Total hip replacement — restores a hip destroyed by arthritis, labral tears with early cartilage loss, or femoral neck fractures.
- Total shoulder replacement — for end-stage shoulder arthritis, especially when the rotator cuff is still intact.
- Reverse shoulder replacement — a different design used when the rotator cuff is torn and irreparable. The ball and socket are reversed so other muscles can power the arm.
- Thumb CMC arthroplasty — thumb base arthritis is common; replacement preserves grip and pinch.
When replacement is the right call
Joint replacement isn’t the first move. Conservative care—activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, injections, physical therapy—is always tried first. Replacement becomes the conversation when:
- Non-operative treatment has been exhausted and pain is still limiting quality of life.
- Imaging (X-ray or MRI) shows end-stage arthritis: bone-on-bone contact, loss of joint space, or bone spurs.
- The patient is motivated and medically fit for surgery and recovery.
- The joint is not salvageable by arthroscopy or osteotomy.
Age alone is not a barrier. What matters is overall health and whether the person can tolerate anesthesia and comply with post-operative weight-bearing guidelines and physical therapy.
Implant lifespan and expectations
Most modern joint replacements last 15–20 years. Some last longer. The lifespan depends on the implant material, the quality of fixation (cemented or press-fit), the patient’s weight and activity level, and the surgeon’s technique. Younger, more active patients may outlive their first implant and need a revision—a second surgery to replace the worn implant. Revision surgery is more complex than the first replacement but is definitely possible.