Arthritis Overview
Arthritis literally means "inflammation of a joint." In some forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, the
inflammation arises because the smooth covering (articular cartilage) on the ends of bones become damaged or worn.
Osteoarthritis is usually found in one, usually weightbearing, joint.
Shoulder Replacement
Many people know someone with an artificial knee or hip joint. Shoulder replacement is less common. But it is just as successful in relieving joint pain.
Shoulder replacement surgery started in the United States in the 1950s. It was used as a treatment for severe shoulder fractures. Over the years, this
surgery has come to be used for many other painful conditions of the shoulder. These include:
Wrist Joint Replacement
Joint replacement surgery in the wrist is less common but can be an option if you have painful arthritis that does not respond to other treatments.
Anatomy
The wrist is a more complicated joint than the hip or the knee. On the hand side of the wrist, there are two rows of bones at the base of the hand. There are
four bones in each row. The bones in these rows are called the carpals. The long thin bones of the hand radiate out from one row of carpals and form the
basis of the fingers and thumb.
Hip Replacement
Whether you have just begun exploring treatment options or have already decided with your orthopaedic surgeon to undergo hip replacement surgery, this
information will help you understand the benefits and limitations of total hip replacement. This article describes how a normal hip works, the causes of hip
pain, what to expect from hip replacement surgery, and what exercises and activities will help restore your mobility and strength and enable you to return to
everyday activities.
Knee Replacement
If your knee is severely damaged by arthritis or injury, it may be hard for you to perform simple activities such as walking or climbing stairs. You may
even begin to feel pain while you are sitting or lying down.
If medications, changing your activity level, and using walking supports are no longer helpful, you may want to consider total knee replacement surgery. By
resurfacing the damaged and worn surfaces of the knee can relieve pain, correct leg deformity and help resume normal activities.