• Hip arthroplasty – Hip replacement is a surgical procedure where the orthopaedic surgeon surgically removes a painful hip joint and replaces it with an artificial joint that is normally made of metal and plastic components. This procedure is done when all other treatment options have failed to relieve pain. Hip replacement helps relieve a painful hip joint, making it easier to walk.
• Knee arthroplasty – Knee joint replacement is a surgical procedure that is performed to resurface a damaged knee joint. Metal and plastic components are used to cap the ends of the bones forming the knee joint. Knee arthroplasty is recommended for people who have severe arthritis or a severe knee injury.

When is an arthroplasty indicated?

An arthroplasty can be indicated to treat several medical conditions that can cause joint pain and disability, such as damaged cartilage that's in between the joint. This may be caused by arthritis, a fracture or bone death due to decreased or stopped blood supply to the bones. An arthroplasty can also be indicated when medical treatments are unable to effectively relieve joint pain or disability. These medical treatments include:

• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• Pain medicines
• Assistive devices for walking
• Physical therapy
• Cortisone injections into a knee joint
• Lubrication injections into the joint to make joint movement less painful
• Weight loss
• Exercise and conditioning

What does an arthroplasty entail?

Dr Steenkamp will first perform a complete physical exam to make sure that you are in good health to undergo an arthroplasty.  An arthroplasty can be performed while you are asleep under general anaesthesia or while you are awake under local anaesthesia. The skin over the affected area will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and an incision will be made in the area of the joint.

The surgeon will then repair or remove the damaged parts of the joint, and a prosthesis will be used to replace the damage. Either a portion of the joint may be replaced, called partial joint replacement, or the entire joint may be replaced, called total joint replacement. This is dependent on the condition of your joint.