Joint replacement surgery is considered a last resort treatment option to relieve osteoarthritis pain and restore function to the affected joint. Conservative treatment options for osteoarthritis are usually tried first before joint replacement surgery is recommended. Joint replacement is recommended when pain is no longer well-controlled and joint damage significantly affects quality of life.

• What is a joint replacement made of?
• How common is joint replacement surgery?
• How do you know if you need a joint replacement?
• What are the benefits and risks of joint replacement surgery?

Any joint in the body can be replaced, but most joint replacement surgeries involve the knee and hip. More than 90 percent of joint replacement patients have a successful outcome. There is the possibility of complications with any surgery, however. Read more in Joint Replacement Surgery - What You Need to Know.

Related Resources:

• What Is Arthrodesis?
• What Is Arthroscopy?
• Too Young for Joint Replacement?
• Joint Replacement - When Is the Right Time?
• Total Knee Replacement - What You Need to Know

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