joint replacement surgeries

🦴 JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERIES (ARTHROPLASTY) – OVERVIEW Joint Replacement Surgery, also called Arthroplasty, involves removing a damaged joint surface and replacing it with an artificial prosthesis to relieve pain and restore function—most commonly in advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or after trauma. 🔹 Common Types of Joint Replacement Surgeries Joint Procedure Name Notes Knee Total Knee Replacement (TKR) / Partial Knee Replacement Most common worldwide Hip Total Hip Replacement (THR) Gold standard for hip OA Shoulder Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) / Reverse TSA Depends on rotator cuff status Elbow Total Elbow Replacement Less common; for RA or severe trauma Ankle Total Ankle Arthroplasty For end-stage ankle arthritis Finger Joints MCP, PIP joint replacement Mostly in rheumatoid arthritis 🔹 Components of Joint Prostheses Metal: Titanium, cobalt-chromium alloys Plastic: Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) Ceramic: Highly biocompatible, less wear (e.g. ceramic-on-ceramic in hips) 🔹 Indications for Joint Replacement ✅ Severe joint pain affecting daily activities ✅ Advanced osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis ✅ Joint deformity ✅ Failure of conservative treatments (medication, therapy, injections) ✅ Post-traumatic arthritis ✅ Avascular necrosis (e.g. femoral head) ✅ Tumors involving joints (limb salvage procedures) 🔹 Types of Joint Replacement 1. Total Joint Replacement Entire articular surface replaced (e.g. TKR, THR) 2. Partial Joint Replacement Only a part is replaced (e.g. Unicompartmental Knee Replacement) 3. Hemiarthroplasty Only one side of the joint replaced (e.g. hip hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures) 4. Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Used when rotator cuff is non-functional 🔹 Surgical Approach (Example: Hip) Posterior approach: Most common, good exposure, higher dislocation risk Anterior approach: Less muscle damage, quicker recovery Lateral approach: Lower dislocation risk, possible abductor weakness 🔹 Post-operative Care Early mobilization (within 24–48 hours) Physiotherapy (ROM, strengthening, gait training) Thromboprophylaxis (DVT/PE prevention) Pain management Monitoring for infection or implant complications 🔹 Risks & Complications Early Late Infection Prosthesis loosening DVT/PE Wear of implant Bleeding Periprosthetic fracture Nerve injury Dislocation (hip/shoulder) Joint stiffness Aseptic loosening or osteolysis 🔹 Lifespan of Joint Prostheses Typically lasts 15–20 years Younger patients may require revision surgery later 🔹 Advances in Joint Replacement Robotic-assisted surgery 3D-printed implants (custom-fit) Navigation systems Minimally invasive techniques Enhanced recovery protocols (ERAS) 🔹 Summary Chart Feature Total Joint Replacement Partial Replacement Invasiveness More Less Longevity Longer Shorter Recovery Moderate Faster Indication Extensive damage Localized damage Cost Higher Lower