Arthroplasty: What Is It and Do I Need It?
Arthroplasty literally means a surgical repair of a joint. It is an operative procedure done by an orthopedic surgeon who replaces or repairs a dysfunctional joint. In many cases these joints have been damaged through either injury or the long term degeneration of an arthritic condition. Arthritis is really a generic term that describes over 100 different medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. In some severe cases where the joints has been disabled in the individual is no longer able to be functional and arthroplasty surgery is recommended. Currently there are forms of arthroplasty which include re-sectioning the joint structure, resurfacing the joint structure and replacing the joint structure. For the last 45 years the most common form has been a surgical replacement with a prosthetic. The most common form of arthroplasty is replacement of the hip, knee and hands. Other indications for arthroplasty include a vascular necrosis, congenital dyslocation, traumatized j...