What is joint replacement surgery?

Arthroplasty is surgery done to reconstruct or replace a diseased joint. For rheumatoid arthritis, arthroplasty is done to restore function to a joint or correct a deformity. Bones in a joint can be reshaped. Or all or part of the joint can be replaced with metal, ceramic, or plastic parts.

Arthroplasty can relieve pain and restore enough function in a joint to allow a person to do normal daily activities.

Risks of arthroplasty include the risks of surgery and using anesthetic and the risks of:

• Infection developing in the artificial joint (requires removal of the artificial joint and treatment of the infection).
• Development of blood clots.
• Loosening of the joint.

There are many different types of joint surgery. The following questions will help you decide which surgery may be right for you.

• Will the surgery relieve pain, improve range of motion, and allow you to do your daily activities?
• What do you want from this surgery? Less pain? Better movement? Improved appearance of the joint? What are the chances that this surgery will bring about that outcome?
• What are the chances of reaching your desired outcome with a different kind of surgery?
• How often is another surgery needed because the first surgery didn't work?
• What kinds of things can go wrong with this surgery? How often do these problems occur?
• How long will the results of this surgery last? How long will this type of joint replacement last before another surgery may be needed? What type of surgery might be needed if this surgery doesn't work?

Recovery following arthroplasty may involve a 2- to 14-day hospital stay. Depending on the joint, rehabilitation may take several weeks to several months.

Surgery such as arthroplasty will not cure rheumatoid arthritis, nor will it stop disease activity. But if a joint is badly diseased, surgery may provide pain relief and improve function. Arthroplasty is considered when:

• Symptoms can no longer be controlled with medicine, joint injections, physical therapy, and exercise.
• Pain from rheumatoid arthritis can no longer be tolerated.
• You are not able to do normal daily activities.
• Narrowing of the joint space or wearing away of the cartilage and bone is causing severe pain or reduced range of motion.