Joint replacement is a surgical procedure most often performed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and address disability caused by degenerative arthritis. It involves replacing the damaged surfaces of a joint—such as the hip, knee, or shoulder—with artificial components designed to mimic natural movement. Common causes of debilitating joint pain include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic injuries, meniscus tears, ligament damage, and cartilage defects.

Symptoms that may indicate the need for joint replacement include:

• Persistent pain that limits daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair—even pain at rest.
• Restricted joint function due to chronic stiffness or swelling that impairs movement.
• Failure of conservative treatments such as rest, weight loss, physical therapy, walking aids, medications, braces, or prior surgeries.
• Visible joint deformity, such as abnormal angulation or misalignment.