Healthy joints are cushioned by smooth cartilage that allows bones to glide effortlessly during movement. When this protective layer wears away or becomes damaged, mobility declines and pain gradually increases.
For many people, joint pain can affect the way they walk, sleep, work, and engage with daily life. When simple tasks like climbing stairs or getting out of bed start to feel difficult, joint replacement surgery may be recommended to offer relief and restore independence.
Arthroplasty, commonly referred to as joint replacement surgery, is a highly effective surgical procedure designed to restore function and relieve pain in a damaged joint. Most often performed on the hip and knee, arthroplasty may also be recommended for the shoulder, elbow, or smaller joints of the hand and ankle when conservative treatments no longer provide relief.
However, arthroplasty is not a first-line treatment. It becomes a medical consideration when joint damage begins to interfere with daily living and conservative options are no longer effective. The most common reasons include:
Degenerative wear of the joint cartilage leads to persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. When walking, climbing stairs, or standing becomes increasingly difficult, joint replacement may offer lasting relief.
Chronic inflammation gradually erodes cartilage and bone, causing deformity, instability, and pain that may not respond to medication alone.
When the blood supply to a joint, especially the hip, is compromised, the bone weakens and collapses over time. Arthroplasty helps restore function and prevent further deterioration.
Fractures or injuries affecting the joint surface can accelerate degeneration. Persistent pain or limited movement after trauma may warrant joint replacement.
When physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle changes, weight management, assistive devices, and steroid or hyaluronic acid injections no longer provide meaningful relief, surgery is often the next logical step.
Inability to perform daily tasks, disrupted sleep, reduced work capacity, or withdrawal from physical and social activities are strong indicators that a damaged joint is limiting a person's life more than surgery would.
Arthroplasty can be tailored to the extent of joint damage, the patient’s age, lifestyle, and overall health. The two main approaches are:
This is the most common form of arthroplasty. The entire joint surface is removed and replaced with prosthetic components. Examples include:
Hip Arthroplasty: Both the femoral head (ball) and acetabulum (socket) are replaced.
Knee Arthroplasty: The ends of the femur and tibia are capped with metal, and a plastic spacer acts as cartilage.
In partial replacements, only the damaged portion of the joint is resurfaced, preserving healthy bone and tissue
Patients undergo comprehensive evaluation, including imaging, laboratory investigations, and optimisation of comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiac disease. Prehabilitation, including strengthening and mobility exercises, improves post-surgical recovery.
Anaesthesia
General or regional anaesthesia (e.g., spinal, epidural, or nerve block) is chosen based on the patient’s condition and surgical plan.
Surgical Technique
The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and a portion of the underlying bone using precision instruments. Prosthetic components, made from durable medical-grade materials such as metal alloys and ceramics, are then implanted using cemented or cementless fixation, based on bone quality and patient factors.
The primary goal of arthroplasty is to improve the quality of life. Most patients experience:
Significant reduction or elimination of joint pain.
Enhanced mobility and stability.
Improved ability to perform daily activities.
Long-lasting results, with modern prostheses lasting 15 - 20 years or more.
For elderly patients, regaining independence often translates into better overall health, reduced risk of falls, and improved emotional well-being. For younger, active patients, arthroplasty can restore the ability to continue working and engaging in recreational activities.
Modern implants are designed to last 15 to 25 years or more. Factors that influence longevity include:
Age and body weight
Activity level
Bone quality
Implant material and positioning
Postoperative care
Rehabilitation and follow-up appointments
Most patients enjoy long-term pain relief and improved mobility. If an implant wears out or loosens with time, revision surgery can restore function.
For patients with severe joint disease, arthroplasty is often the turning point that restores normalcy. Many return to walking, working, travelling, and enjoying hobbies that were once limited by pain. With proper assessment, a skilled surgical team, and dedicated rehabilitation, joint replacement offers safe, long-lasting relief and a dramatic improvement in quality of life.
If joint pain is limiting mobility or affecting quality of life, a consultation with Prince Court Medical Centre’s Orthopaedic specialists can help determine whether arthroplasty is the right option. Our team is committed to restoring function, reducing pain, and helping patients return to the activities that matter most, with confidence and support at every step of care.
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