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What is Orthopedics & Joint Replacement?
Orthopedics & Joint Replacement (or Orthopaedics) is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, correction, prevention, and treatment of patients with skeletal deformities and disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and skin. It encompasses everything from trauma and sports injuries to congenital conditions and chronic arthritis.

Joint Replacement Surgery (Arthroplasty) is a specialized subfield of orthopedics. It involves the surgical removal of a damaged, arthritic, or painful joint and its replacement with an artificial prosthesis made of metal, plastic, or ceramic components. It is most commonly performed on hips and knee

Orthopedic & Joint Replacement
Common Conditions Treated

Orthopedic surgeons treat a vast array of conditions, which often lead to the need for joint replacement.

Arthritis (The most common reason for joint replacement)
Osteoarthritis (OA): “Wear-and-tear” arthritis where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and damage to the cartilage and bone.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after a serious injury to a joint (e.g., fracture, ligament tear).
Injuries & Trauma
Fractures (broken bones)
Dislocations
Sports Injuries: ACL tears, meniscus tears, rotator cuff tears, tennis elbow.
Sprains and Strains: Injuries to ligaments and muscles/tendons.
Other Conditions
Congenital Deformities: Conditions present from birth (e.g., clubfoot, hip dysplasia).
Spinal Disorders: Scoliosis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis.
Tumors: Bone tumors (both benign and malignant).
Osteoporosis: A condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.
Common Types of Joint Replacement Surgery
Total Hip Replacement (THR): Replaces the ball (head of the femur) and socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint.
Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Replaces the worn surfaces of the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), and often the kneecap (patella).
Total Shoulder Replacement (TSR): Replaces the ball (head of the humerus) and socket (glenoid) of the shoulder.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Only the most damaged compartment of the knee is replaced, preserving healthy bone and ligaments.
Ankle Replacement, Elbow Replacement, Wrist Replacement: Less common but performed for severe arthritis in these joints.
The Surgical Journey (Simplified) mcurehealth and mcurefertility
Diagnosis & Conservative Treatment: The journey begins with a physical exam, X-rays, and sometimes an MRI. Initial treatment is almost always non-surgical: physical therapy, medications, injections (cortisone, hyaluronic acid), activity modification, and weight loss. mcurehealth.com