Joint Replacement Conditions

Joint replacement surgery — also known as arthroplasty — involves removing the damaged surfaces of a joint and replacing them with an artificial implant (prosthesis) designed to replicate the function of the natural joint. It is one of the most successful and transformative procedures in orthopaedic surgery, offering significant and durable relief from pain and disability in patients with end-stage joint disease who have not responded adequately to non-surgical management.

Conditions Leading to Joint Replacement

Osteoarthritis
The most common indication for joint replacement. Osteoarthritis involves progressive loss of articular cartilage, resulting in bone-on-bone contact, pain, stiffness, and functional limitation. It most commonly affects the knee and hip. When the disease is advanced and significantly impacts quality of life, joint replacement provides reliable pain relief and functional restoration.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause severe joint destruction over time. Joint replacement may be indicated when pharmacological management is insufficient to control joint damage and functional decline. The surgery is typically performed in collaboration with the patient's rheumatologist.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Arthritis developing after a significant joint injury such as a fracture involving the joint surface or major ligament disruption. It can affect younger patients and may progress more rapidly than primary osteoarthritis.

Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
Avascular necrosis refers to the death of bone tissue due to loss of blood supply to the femoral head or other joint surfaces. It commonly affects the hip and can lead to collapse of the articular surface, requiring joint replacement in advanced cases.

Failed Previous Joint Preservation
Patients who have undergone joint preservation procedures (such as osteotomy or arthroscopic treatment) but have progressed to end-stage arthritis may ultimately require joint replacement.

Failed Implant (Revision Indication)
A previously implanted joint replacement may fail due to loosening, wear, infection, instability, or fracture around the implant. In such cases, revision joint replacement surgery is required.

When Is Joint Replacement Considered?

Joint replacement is typically considered when:

• Pain is severe and significantly impacts daily life, mobility, and sleep
• Non-surgical treatments (physiotherapy, pain relief, injections, weight management) have provided inadequate or short-lasting benefit
• Imaging confirms advanced joint disease consistent with the clinical symptoms
• The patient and surgeon agree that the expected benefits outweigh the risks

Joints Commonly Replaced

• Knee: Total knee replacement or unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement
• Hip: Total hip replacement
• Shoulder: Total shoulder or reverse shoulder replacement

What to Expect

A thorough pre-operative assessment is performed to optimise the patient's health before surgery. The procedure aims to restore a pain-free, well-functioning joint. Post-operative rehabilitation under physiotherapy guidance is an integral part of recovery and begins promptly after surgery. Most patients experience significant improvement in pain and function within weeks to months.

Why Choose Dr. Raja Nadar for Joint Replacement?

Dr. Raja Nadar has fellowship training in joint replacement surgery including his FIJR (USA) fellowship, with experience in both primary and revision procedures. His approach integrates careful patient selection, thorough pre-operative planning, modern surgical technique, and structured post-operative rehabilitation to achieve the best possible outcomes for his patients.