Joint replacement surgery is sometimes required to treat joints that have been damaged from "wearing out" types of arthritis or from other forms of joint disease including rheumatoid arthritis.

 

In these operations the damaged joint surface is removed and replaced with artificial surfaces normally made from metal (chromium cobalt alloy, titanium), plastic (high density polyethylene) and ceramic surfaces which act as alternate bearing surfaces for the damaged joint.

These operations are major procedures which will require you to be in fairly good health otherwise and a stay of several days in hospital. These operations are followed by a significant period of rehabilitation. The hospital has a number of options for the particular operation and the type of artificial joint and these will be discussed with you when you see the surgeon and when you are booked for surgery.

 

Occasionally blood transfusions are required; if you have concerns, please raise them with your surgeon during your consultation.