This animation explains total knee replacement, a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged knee joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic or ceramic device called a prosthesis.

If your knee is severely damaged by arthritis or injury, it may be hard for you to perform simple activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. You may even begin to feel pain while you are sitting or lying down.

Total hip and knee replacement surgeries are effective at easing the pain and dysfunction of arthritis which can limit a person’s ability to work and to enjoy leisure activities. Doing simple daily activities like going up and down stairs or putting on socks and shoes become difficult. Research has shown the benefits of total joint replacement surgery include not only resuming daily activities, but also improved quality of life and overall health with fewer days missed from work.

Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic, or ceramic device called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint.

This animation explains total hip replacement, a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged hip joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic or ceramic device called a prosthesis.

Whether you have just begun exploring treatment options or have already decided to undergo hip replacement surgery, this information will help you understand the benefits and limitations of total hip replacement.

When non-surgical treatments for knee arthritis fail, you and your doctor may consider surgery. Learn about which surgical options are optimal for treating osteoarthritis in your knee.

Although shoulder joint replacement is less common than knee or hip replacement, it is just as successful in relieving joint pain.

Total hip and total knee replacements have improved the quality of life for millions of people worldwide by relieving pain and restoring function and motion caused by arthritis and other joint conditions. People with successful joint replacements are able to stand, walk, rest and participate in recreational activities with little pain. While some people would be satisfied if they achieve these basic goals, others will expect to do more like participating in physically demanding sports and hobbies.

Total knee replacement is one of the most successful procedures in all of medicine. In the vast majority of cases, it enables people to live richer, more active lives free of chronic knee pain. Over time, however, a knee replacement may fail for a variety of reasons. When this occurs, your knee can become painful and swollen. It may also feel stiff or unstable, making it difficult to perform your everyday activities.