If you need a total joint replacement, the goal is to get you back to your life – back to your mobility. Total joint replacement is necessary when the covering that allows a normal joint to move freely and painlessly is worn or damaged. When this happens, the friction of bone on bone results in loss of movement and decreases a joint’s ability to bear weight.

To relieve the pain, the bone surfaces within the joint are surgically removed and replaced with synthetic materials. This is usually a prosthetic made of durable, wear-resistant plastic and/or metal. To receive a replacement joint, different procedures and components may be used depending on factors like the nature of the disease or injury, the age of the patient and the bone condition. The good news is that most people can look forward to resuming an active, fulfilling lifestyle following a successful procedure.