Joint Replacement:

• What It Is: Joint replacement surgery involves removing a damaged or arthritic joint and replacing it with an artificial implant, known as a prosthesis. Commonly replaced joints include the hip, knee, and shoulder.

• Why It’s Done: It’s typically performed to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life in patients who have severe joint damage from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injuries.

• Procedure: The surgery involves making an incision to access the damaged joint, removing the affected bone and cartilage, and then placing the prosthetic joint. The prosthesis is usually made of metal, plastic, or a combination of materials.

• Recovery: Post-surgery, patients usually undergo a period of rehabilitation to strengthen the surrounding muscles, regain mobility, and adapt to the new joint.

Arthroscopy:

• What It Is: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems. It involves inserting a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments through tiny incisions around the joint.

• Why It’s Done: It is used for both diagnostic purposes (to view the inside of a joint and identify problems) and therapeutic purposes (to treat issues such as torn cartilage, ligament injuries, or inflammation).

• Procedure: The arthroscope is inserted into the joint through a small incision, and the camera sends images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to see inside the joint. Other small instruments are used to perform repairs or remove damaged tissue.

• Recovery: Arthroscopy generally has a quicker recovery time compared to traditional open surgery due to the smaller incisions and less disruption to surrounding tissues.

Both procedures aim to alleviate pain and improve joint function, but they are suited to different types of joint problems and stages of joint damage.