Knee replacement is a kind of arthroplasty. Arthroplasty literally means “the surgical repair of a joint,” and it involves the surgical reconstruction and replacement of degenerated joints, using artificial body parts, or prosthetics. When the articular cartilage of the knee becomes damaged or worn, it becomes painful and the knee is hard to move. Instead of sliding over each other, the bones rub and crush together. With a prosthesis, the patient will feel less pain, and the knee will move properly.

Hip replacement, also called hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to address hip pain. The surgery replaces parts of the hip joint with artificial implants. The hip joint consists of a ball (at the top of the femur, also known as the thigh bone) and a socket (in the pelvis, also known as the hip bone). Hip replacement surgery includes replacement of one or both parts. The goal of the procedure is to allow you to resume daily activities and exercise with less pain.

Joint revision is a type of surgery performed on a patient who already has an existing artificial joint that was implanted during a joint replacement procedure. There are several reasons why a patient might need joint revision surgery after a joint replacement. One of the most common reasons is that their existing implant, also referred to as a prosthesis, has reached the end of its expected lifespan, which is approximately 15 – 20 years for most artificial joints. Another reason why revision surgery might be needed is that the artificial implant from the original joint replacement procedure has become dislocated or there is an infection. Before moving forward with joint revision surgery, the surgeon will take X-rays or perform other tests in order to better understand what is happening. The doctor will also check for scar tissue in the area and consider what surgical techniques he or she will use. The joint revision surgeon might also consult with the joint replacement doctor about the original joint replacement procedure. If a patient has had a total joint replacement surgery, such as a knee replacement, they should always take note of any changes that might be happening. For example, although they may have had knee replacement surgery that was successful and brought pain relief when it was performed several years earlier, the knee has started to lock up. Or in another example, a patient may have had hip replacement surgery that left them nearly pain-free. However, now the artificial joint has begun to feel loose and uncomfortable.