A surgical procedure for the treatment of severe arthritis and other disorders in which the normal articulating surfaces of a joint are replaced by metal and plastic prostheses. Joint replacement surgery, or joint arthroplasty is performed most frequently to replace hip joints and knee joints, and involves the complete removal of the damaged joint and tissues to be replaced with an artificial prosthesis. The goal of the procedure is to relieve pain and restore a sense of normal function and mobility into the damaged joint. Joint replacement surgeries are recommended for patients experiencing severe pain and disability as a result of progressive arthritis.
