A joint is the location where two or more bones meet. The joints allow movement and provide support for the skeleton. Hip and knee joints are considered synovial joints, which is the type of joint that allows the most movement. They are connected by tissue called cartilage that acts as a protective cushion between the two bones. It allows smooth, low-friction movement of the joint. However, the cartilage can break down and become damaged by injury or disease. When this happens, the tissues around the joint become inflammed, which causes pain. If the damage is not corrected, the catilage will wear away, and the rough edges of the two bones begin to rub together, causing more severe pain and, sometimes, problems moving the joints.

Fortunately, hip and knee joints can be repaired or replaced. When only some of the joint is damaged, a surgeon may be able to repair or replace only the damaged parts. When the entire joint is damaged, surgeons will perform a total joint replacement. To replace a total hip or knee joint, a surgeon removes the diseased or damaged parts and replaces them with artificial parts. These are called prostheses or implants.

The most common reason people have their hips or knees replaced is a degenerative joint disease called osteoarthritis. This disease is characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage. Though it often affects people over the age of 45, younger people do have it as well. Some people are born with defective cartilage and deformed joints, and they will likely need surgical replacement at a younger age.

Other reasons for joint replacments are:

• Excess weight
• Joint fracture
• Ligament tears
• Other injuries
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Loss of bone caused by poor blood supply (avascular necrosis)
• Bone tumors

Contact

Surgeons at Northwestern Memorial perform hundreds of joint replacements every year. If you would like to consult with one of our physicians to find out if you are a candidate for a joint repair or replacement surgery, call our Physician Referral Department at 1-877-926-4664.