Joint replacement surgery is typically recommended to patients who have tried non-surgical treatment but still have joint pain. While this is an extremely effective
surgical treatment, total joint replacement should be considered as the last, rather than the first treatment option for patients with advanced Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Modern joint replacement surgery involves removal of the worn cartilage from both sides of the joint, followed by resurfacing of the joint with a metal and plastic replacement implant that looks and functions much like your normal joint. Although nearly every joint in the body can be replaced, most replacement surgeries involve the hip or knee.
Over the last 30 years, improved surgical techniques and new implant materials have been developed, making total joint replacement one of the most reliable and durable procedures in any area of medicine.
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