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Joint Replacement

A joint is the place where two or more bones come together, for example, the knee, hip, and shoulder. When a damaged joint is replaced with a new one it is called joint replacement. Typically the joints that bear the most weight such as knees and hips are the most problematic.

There are several causes that contribute to joint problems. Joint problems may be inherited; arthritis, physical structure deficiencies such as uneven fitting of joints, and bone positioning. Excess weight causes unnecessary stress on the joints and breaks down cartilage. Because exercise is important for sufficient lubrication of the joints, a sedentary lifestyle is detrimental to joints and the surrounding muscles which are weakened. Repeated stress on a joint that athletes and anyone who performs a repetitive motion over a long period of time encounter may cause joint problems. A previous injury may lead to joint pain at a later time.

A damaged joint causes pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Since the year 2000, joint replacement surgery has been on the rise. The improvement in technology has made joint surgery more effective and more readily available for treating damaged joints.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Women are more likely to have knee replacement surgery than men
  • Caucasians are more likely to have knee replacement surgery than African Americans in the US
  • Three times as many women suffer from hip pain but men are more likely to have hip replacement surgery (DePuy Orthopaedics, 2007, data on file)

WHO KNEW?

  • From 1979 to 2002, the rate of knee replacement procedures on people aged 65 and above increased almost eightfold
  • Total knee replacement has become one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed on older persons
  • In 2006, 542,000 total knee replacement surgeries were performed in the United States
  • In 2006, 231,000 total hip replacement surgeries were performed in the United States
  • The average age of patient who has joint replacement in the United States is 65-70 years old
  • Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for hip replacement
  • It is estimated that 1 in 5 people in the United States have some form of arthritis
  • Two thirds of people who have been diagnosed with arthritis are less than 65 years old
  • New joints typically last 10 to 15 years

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FAQs - Joint Replacement
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