Arthroplasty is surgical reconstruction or total replacement of diseased or degenerated joints. You might hear arthroplasty mentioned in relation to diseased joints such as the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, wrist, and other joints.
Overview
M Health Fairview orthopedic surgeons use arthroplasty to treat your degenerated joints by reconstructing or replacing your joint.
Our approach
Arthroplasty is an open procedure performed through a large incision in your skin. Surgeons remove the damaged area of your joint and replace it with an implant called a prosthesis, which is designed to serve as a normal functioning joint. Depending on the circumstances, an arthroplasty procedure can be done in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center. Your surgeon will review the options with you at your pre-surgical evaluation. Arthroplasty recovery includes physical therapy to help restore the strength and range of motion in your joint.
Two of the most common joint replacement surgeries are hip or knee replacements. If you have life-impacting joint pain that does not get better with medication or physical therapy, a hip or knee replacement surgery will likely reduce pain and give you many years of easier, more comfortable movement. Learn more about hip and knee replacement surgery.