Arthroplasty, commonly known as joint replacement surgery, is a transformative medical procedure designed to alleviate pain, restore function, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with debilitating joint conditions. This surgical intervention involves the removal of damaged or diseased joint surfaces and the implantation of artificial components to recreate the joint's functionality. Arthroplasty is most commonly performed on weight-bearing joints such as the hip and knee, but it can also be applied to other joints like the shoulder, elbow, and ankle.
Types of Arthroplasty:
Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA): In THA, both the acetabulum (hip socket) and the femoral head (upper end of the thigh bone) are replaced with artificial components, typically made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. This procedure is commonly performed to address conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fractures.
Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA): TKA involves the replacement of the entire knee joint with artificial components. The procedure is commonly performed to alleviate severe pain and restore function in individuals with advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injuries affecting the knee.
Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA): TSA is the replacement of the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. It is often recommended for individuals with arthritis, rotator cuff disorders, or fractures affecting the shoulder joint.
Total Elbow Arthroplasty (TEA): TEA is the replacement of the damaged elbow joint with prosthetic components. It is typically performed to address conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or severe fractures that affect the elbow joint.