For elderly patients joint replacement surgery is commonly required to treat damaged joints from wearing out, arthritis or other forms of joint disease including rheumatoid arthritis. In these procedures the damaged joint surface is removed and replaced with artificial surfaces normally made from metal (chromium cobalt alloy, titanium), plastic (high density polyethylene) or ceramic which act as alternate bearing surfaces for the damaged joint.

These operations are major procedures which require the patient to be in hospital for several days and followed by a significant period of rehabilitation.

Occasionally blood transfusions are required; if you have some concerns raise this with your surgeon during consultation.