What is a total joint replacement?

Total joint replacement is a type of surgery with several steps to treat extensive joint damage. During a total joint replacement surgery, a surgeon takes out any damaged portions of the bones and cartilage within the joint. Then, they place a prosthesis, which is an artificial device that functions like the original joint.

Total joint replacement is never the first recommendation, but you may need it if your injury or condition does not improve significantly with personalized, conservative care. Replacing the joint improves pain and helps you keep the targeted joint mobile. 

After any total joint replacement surgery, you must go through physical therapy and rehabilitation to restore function to, for example, your hip, knee, or shoulder. 

When do I need total joint replacement?

There are a few conditions that can lead to extensive damage within a joint to the point that you need total joint replacement surgery. Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine routinely treats the following conditions with total joint replacement:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Severe fractures
• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Osteonecrosis

You might also need total joint replacement surgery if you’ve had joint replacement surgery in the past but developed complications and need to repeat the operation. 

Which type of total joint replacement do I need?

Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine specializes in total joint replacement surgeries for three different joints that commonly sustain damage. Depending on your injury’s location, you might need:

Total knee replacement

Total knee replacement involves repairing severe knee damage, often from arthritis. The replacement device that takes the place of the damaged portions of the joint includes a metal femoral component, a metal tibial component, and a plastic spacer. 

Total shoulder replacement

Total shoulder replacement removes damaged portions of the shoulder joint, which has the widest range of motion of all the joints in your body. The surgery replaces the joint with a metal and plastic ball-and-socket mechanism. 

Total hip replacement

Total hip replacement replaces a ball-and-socket joint with an artificial mechanism that functions in the same way as the original joint. The artificial joint includes a metal shell for your hip socket and a metal or ceramic ball attached to the femur. 

To find out more about total joint replacement and when you might need it, call Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine or book an appointment online today.