Joint Replacement
Total joint replacement (an arthroplasty) is a procedure that involves removing part or all of the damaged joint and replacing it with artificial implants. Joint replacement surgery can improve mobility and provide significant pain relief. It may be required for advanced arthritis or as a result of an injury.
Types of Joint Replacement surgery include:
Anterior Hip Replacement – An anterior hip replacement is a new way to implant a hip replacement using minimally invasive techniques. This allows for muscle sparing instead of muscle splitting and allows for a faster recovery and fewer restrictions on activity after surgery.
Partial Hip Replacement – A partial hip replacement (a hemiarthroplasty) involves replacing the femoral head (the ball) only and not the acetabulum (socket). This procedure is used more in older patients suffering from a hip fracture and is an option when the socket is healthy.
Partial Knee Replacement – The knee joint is divided into three compartments (the lateral, medial and patellofemoral compartments). If damage only affects one or two compartments of the knee, a partial knee replacement may be recommended. A partial knee replacement procedure involves removing damaged tissue, resurfacing existing areas, and implanting artificial parts into the affected compartment(s) of the knee.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement – Where the position of the ball and socket in the joint are switched over and replaced with artificial parts. A prosthetic “ball” is surgically attached at the shoulder blade, and an artificial “socket” is then constructed at the top of the upper arm bone. By reversing the location of the ball and socket, it allows the shoulder to bypass the damaged muscles and tendons and use the muscles at the top of the arm and shoulder instead. This stabilizes the shoulder joint and restores pain-free motion and function.