Arthroplasty
What is arthroplasty?
The term “arthroplasty” refers to any surgical procedure to restore the function of a damaged joint, often by replacing them with artificial joints made of chromium, cobalt and titanium, along with high density plastics. The ultimate aim of arthroplasty is to correct deformities, reduce or eliminate pain in the affected areas, and restore mobility. Arthroplasty is commonly performed on the hip, knee, elbow, shoulder, and ankle, among others.
Different types of arthroplasty include:
- Joint replacement – the damaged joint is removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Hip replacements and knee replacements are the most common.
- Interpositional arthroplasty – tissue, such as skin or muscle is interposed to keep inflammatory surfaces from rubbing together.
- Excisional arthroplasty – bone is removed from the surface of the joint to stop the bones making contact. Scar tissue is left to fill the gap.
- Resurfacing arthroplasty – the surfaces of the bones at the joint are replaced with a smooth, protective metal coating.
Why is arthroplasty done?
Arthroplasty is carried out to replace the damaged joint with a healthy one, allowing the patient to live a full and active life with adequate mobility.
Arthoplasty may become necessary due to:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Osteonecrosis
- Misaligned joints (often due to traumatic injury)
What does arthroplasty consist of?
Arthroplasty procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic. The patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen are monitored, while the surgeon makes an incision and removes and/or repairs the damaged parts of the joint, before closing the incision with stitches.
The process of placement of the prosthesis will be different depending on the type of joint replacement.
Preparation for arthroplasty
No special preparation is required for arthroplasty, other than notifying the specialist of the possibility of being pregnant and the medication the patient is taking, which may be strong in cases of rheumatic diseases and may need to be stopped or changed prior to the operation.
Care after the intervention
After the intervention, the patient may feel pain, which is normal in any intervention. In case of pain, the specialist will recommend the best treatment.
During the hospitalisation, specialists will soon begin to move the joint, so that recovery is as effective as possible and the patient regains mobility as soon as possible.
After being discharged from the hospital, the patient must go for rehabilitation for a few months to fully recover the mobility of the joint and also to check that make sure that the prosthesis is functioning properly.


Resuming hip and knee replacements post COVID-19 – what our patients need to know
By Mr Syed Ahmed
2022-05-27
The coronavirus has brought arthroplasty and other elective services to a standstill, and patients are struggling with joint pain and long waiting times. Mr Syed Ahmed aims to shed some light on how he and his surgical team are navigating safely following the resumption of elective activity in what has soon become the new normal. See more


All you need to know about knee replacement surgery
By Professor John Hollingdale
2022-05-26
Leading orthopaedic surgeon Professor John Hollingdale explains what a knee arthroplasty involves. See more


Arthroplasty: how young is too young?
By Mr Al-Amin Kassam
2022-05-22
Arthroplasty, or joint replacement, is a procedure that is often associated with patients of an older age. It can, however, be preformed on younger patients in extreme cases. Esteemed consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon Mr Al-Amin Kassam, who practises in Exeter, explains what arthroplasty is and why it might be needed. He discusses other options available and answers whether revision surgery is more likely in a younger adult who has a joint replaced. See more


Knee arthroplasty: when is it needed and is it safe?
By Mr Rohit Jain
2022-05-12
You might be wondering how safe a knee arthroplasty is, what the risks are and when the procedure is needed. Find out how successful this procedure is at treating knee issues. Mr Rohit Jain, a leading orthopaedic hip and knee surgeon highlights things you need to know before considering knee arthroplasty See more
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Mr James Donaldson
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
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Miss Tanaya Sarkhel
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Mr Julian Flynn
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
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Surrey Orthopaedic Clinic
Surrey Orthopaedic Clinic
Prime Health Weybridge, Horizon Business Village No 10 & 11, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0TJ
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Surrey Orthopaedic Clinic
Prime Health Weybridge, Horizon Business Village No 10 & 11, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0TJ, GuildfordExpert in:
- Foot and ankle
- Hand and wrist
- Hip
- Knee
- Shoulder and elbow
- Spine