Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disorder caused by a loss of cartilage that affects the joints.

If you need total knee or total hip replacement surgery—and your weight is significantly higher than it should be—your doctor may advise you to lose weight before your procedure. Even though you may feel fit and healthy at your current weight, studies show that a patient with a BMI greater than 40 is more likely to experience serious complications both during and after surgery than a patient of normal weight. Your doctor wants you to be aware of these risks so that you can take steps to minimize them before your procedure.

Total knee replacement (also called knee arthroplasty) is a common orthopaedic procedure that is used to replace the damaged or worn surfaces of the knee. Replacing these surfaces with an implant or "prosthesis" will relieve pain and increase mobility, allowing you to return to your normal, everyday activities.

Total hip replacement (also known as hip arthroplasty) is a common orthopaedic procedure and, as the population ages, it is expected to become even more common. Replacing the hip joint with an implant or "prosthesis" relieves pain and improves mobility so that you are able to resume your normal, everyday activities.

During knee replacement surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon will resurface your damaged knee with artificial components, called implants.

Knee and hip replacements are two of the most commonly performed elective operations. For the majority of patients, joint replacement surgery relieves pain and helps them to live fuller, more active lives.

Hip and knee surgeons are not surprised when they find that someone who comes into the office for a problem had a hip or knee replacement done many years prior without any further follow up. Many people are unaware that they should follow up with their surgeon as part of the long-term care for joint replacements. Despite most hip and knee replacements now lasting for 15-20 years, it is important to follow up and not take your new joint for granted.

If you have had hip or knee replacement surgery, you are probably concerned about discomfort in the days following your surgery. It is important to understand that at some point after surgery, you will experience some level of pain – particularly with activity and physical therapy.

When you’ve made the decision to have joint replacement surgery, use these resources to supplement discussions with your surgeon.

Patients with advanced arthritis of the hip may be candidates for either traditional total hip replacement (arthroplasty) or hip resurfacing (hip resurfacing arthroplasty). Each of these procedures is a type of hip replacement, but there are important differences. Your orthopaedic surgeon will talk with you about the different procedures and which operation would be best for you.