General information on joint replacement

Content provided by Healthwise

It is important to have realistic expectations of joint replacement surgery.

Replacement joints are not "miracle" joints. They will not restore a joint to the function it had before the arthritis began.
Pain relief is the most dependable outcome of joint replacement. When the pain is relieved, you also may get some function back, but this is not the main goal and is less predictable.
On average, replacement joints have a limited life span (10 to 20 years).
There are certain activities (running, downhill skiing) you should not do after surgery. The joint is meant to be used but not abused.
Low-impact aerobics, moderate hiking, bicycling, swimming, gardening (if you don't squat), and normal housework usually are allowed.
People who have had a joint replacement must take antibiotics before dental work, certain tests, and surgery to prevent infection in the artificial joint.

Credits

Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last Updated	April 20, 2007

Last updated:	April 20, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

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