The replacement of the joint is also clinically referred to as replacement arthroplasty. Otherwise is it straightforwardly known as joint replacement surgery. It is a procedure attached to orthopedic surgery. It is a process in which an arthritic joint surface is being replaced with an orthopedic prosthesis. The affected joint could also just be dysfunctional. It is a necessary process in which less invasive therapies are no longer of use.

Joint replacements could be carried out on different parts of the body. Two common examples will be shared with you here, namely the shoulders and the hips. For shoulder joint replacements, a number of major approaches will be considered. The deltopectoral approach saves the deltoid. But in this process, the supraspinatus has to be incised. The transdeltoid approach is targeted at the glenoid. But during this procedure, the deltoid could be at risk.

Several procedures will also be considered during hip surgery. The two common approaches taken will be that of a total replace or a half replacement. When the total hip replacement is done, the acetabulum and femoral head will be removed. The half procedure only requires the removal of the femoral head. It is said that hip replacement surgery is now the most common orthopedic surgical procedure.

But regrettably the jury remains out in terms of patient satisfaction as well as long-term success and recovery rates. Also, it remains unclear whether the use of assistive equipment is of beneficial use during post-operative care and treatment. But the reasons for having to undergo such procedures are widely understood and accepted. Currently, there simply is no alternative for the patient afflicted with an advanced form of arthritis or a rather debilitating injury.

So then, this is how the joint replacement process begins.

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