More severe joint pain and disability may require total joint replacement, a surgical procedure in which an arthritic or damaged joint, such as the hip, knee, elbow, or shoulder, is removed and replaced with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. The artificial joint is designed to move just like a healthy human joint.

When performed by skilled surgeons like those at our Joint Replacement Center, total joint replacement is one of the safest and most successful types of surgery. In more than 90% of cases, surgery is complication-free and results in significant pain relief and restoration of mobility. While conventional joint replacements have proven to last a decade or more, advanced materials, such as titanium, ceramic, and new plastic joint liners, may help to increase the longevity of artificial joints.