Which joints can be replaced?

The hip and knee are the joints most commonly replaced because arthritis and joint degeneration frequently affect these areas. Shoulder replacement is also performed for severe arthritis, certain fractures, or major joint damage. In selected patients, the elbow, ankle, wrist, finger joints, and other smaller joints may also be replaced.

The procedure differs from one joint to another. A total hip replacement replaces both the ball and socket surfaces, while a total knee replacement resurfaces the damaged ends of the thigh and shin bones. Some patients may qualify for a partial replacement when only one part of a joint is damaged. Shoulder replacement has different implant designs depending on the condition of the tendons and bone.

Not every painful joint needs replacement. Many joint problems can be managed with medicines, physiotherapy, injections, activity changes, or other surgical procedures that preserve more of the natural joint. An orthopaedic examination and imaging help determine whether replacement is the most suitable option.

The decision to replace a joint depends on more than whether an implant exists for it. The surgeon must consider bone quality, age, activity level, tendon function, deformity, and whether another treatment could preserve the natural joint. Because smaller-joint replacements are less common, patients may be referred to a surgeon with specific expertise in that part of the body.