Introduction to the Indications and Procedures

Excerpt

Arthroplasty is defined as the surgical replacement of a joint with artificially produced material. Total arthroplasty refers to the replacement of all joint surfaces concerned, while partial replacement involves the replacement of only one or some of the surfaces but not the entire joint. Hip and knee joints are those that are most frequently replaced. The most common indications for hip or knee arthroplasty are symptomatic osteoarthritis and femoral neck fractures (hip). When patients undergo hip or knee replacement for the first time (due to osteoarthritis) they are usually between 60 and 70 years of age. More than two thirds of patients who undergo arthroplasty due to femoral neck fractures are over 85 years of age. Primary arthroplasty refers to the first hip or knee replacement and revision arthroplasty refers to follow-up surgery on the same joint. The period of time (without complications) between primary arthroplasty and revision arthroplasty is termed as »service life«. In symptomatic osteoarthritis, arthroplasty is performed after all conservative and joint preserving therapy options have been exhausted. With regard to femoral neck fractures, joint replacement is usually the primary treatment option. Surgery aims to improve the quality of life, to restore the greatest possible functionality, mobility and freedom from pain, to assure a long service life with good weight-bearing capacity and to avoid secondary complications. These constitute important prerequisites for leading an independent life in old age.