Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is normally undertaken by an

Orthopaedic Surgeon

. A joint is any area where two bones are attached to allow movement of body parts, and is usually formed of fibrous connective tissue and cartilage. Joint replacement surgery, known as

arthroplasty,

involves a diseased or damaged joint being removed and replaced with an artificial one (known as a prosthesis). Artificial joints are usually made of metal, ceramic or plastic materials. The most common joint replacements are the

hip

and

knee

, along with the

shoulder

, wrist, elbow and ankle.