Joint Replacement
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.
Hip and knee replacements are the most commonly performed joint replacements, but replacement surgery can be performed on the ankle, wrist, shoulder, and elbow.
![](http://www.swarminteractive.com/images/thumbs/tothip_gen_300.jpg)
Total Hip Replacement
During this procedure, your damaged hip joint is replaced with implants that recreate the ball and socket of a healthy hip. This can reduce pain and restore your hip function.
![](http://www.swarminteractive.com/images/thumbs/totknee_300.jpg)
Total Knee Replacement
This procedure restores function to a severely damaged knee. Most commonly, it is used to repair a knee that has been damaged by arthritis. During the procedure, the surgeon replaces the damaged portions of the knee with artificial parts. These parts consist of a metal femoral component, a metal tibial component and a plastic spacer. A small plastic patellar component may also be used.
![](http://www.swarminteractive.com/images/thumbs/totshoulder_300.jpg)
Total Shoulder Replacement
This surgery replaces the damaged or diseased head of the humerus (also called the ball) and cartilage from the shoulder joint with a metal and plastic joint.
![](http://www.swarminteractive.com/images/thumbs/reversetotalsho_300.jpg)
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
During this procedure, the surgeon replaces a damaged shoulder joint with artificial components that reverse the structure of the shoulder. This procedure is most often used for patients who have had a failed total shoulder replacement. It is also helpful for patients who have had a complete tear of the rotator cuff, especially those whose injuries have led to an arthritic condition called cuff tear arthropathy.