Joint Replacement

Joint replacement (also called arthroplasty) is an operation to restore pain-free motion to a joint and function to the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissue structures that control the joint. Arthroplasty is indicated for individuals with degenerative arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or for a joint that cannot be repaired through conservative methods. As an orthopedic surgical procedure, joint replacement is unmatched in terms of how it has relieved pain and restored mobility to patients all over the world.

What is Joint Replacement Surgery?

During joint replacement surgery, the joint surfaces are removed and the bone ends replaced or resurfaced with artificial components. The artificial joint is commonly called a prostheses or an implant. The joint components are constructed of durable metals and high density polyethylene. Components are fused to bone with a special cement, or screws may be added. These implants relieve the symptoms of pain and provide a stable, mobile joint.

Synthetic joints have come a long way since the first joint replacement surgery was performed half a century ago. For one thing, they're more durable. An artificial ankle can last a decade or more, and a knee can last even longer. Joint replacements are now done with small incisions, newer materials, and surgical techniques that prevent complications. The physicians at Southwest Orthopaedic Surgery Specialists keep up with the latest technology in arthroplasty and have performed many successful joint replacements in Tucson, AZ.

New Joint Replacement Materials

Recent advances in the design of artificial joint materials have made arthroplasty one of the fastest growing technologies in orthopedic medicine. The use of new ceramic femoral heads with polyethylene acetabular components is gaining proponents. These ceramics have excellent frictional and wear characteristics. Additionally, "hard-on-hard" articulations, specifically metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-ceramic, are being explored as low-wear couples. Alternative bearing surfaces and size modifications are also being used to improve the life and stability of joint implants.

The use of highly cross-linked polyethylene has probably been the most significant advancement in the past decade. The combination of metal articulating with ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene are now the most widely used materials in artificial joints. However, the choice of metals used in total joint replacement has changed from stainless steel to stronger alloys based on either cobalt or titanium. These new materials offer greater longevity of the artificial components while providing superior motion and joint stability.