What is arthroplasty?

DR. DIPANKAR SEN

MS: Ortho, FRCSEd, MCH: Ortho (Liverpool); FRCS: Trauma and Orthopedics (UK), Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon

What is arthroplasty?

The term arthroplasty _ literally means changing/replacing the damaged surface of joints. Normally in any joint, two smooth surfaces play against each other during movement and there is a bit of natural lubricant which facilitates the movement. Now if either of the surfaces becomes rough or irregular, the smooth movement can’t take place between the two. During an arthroplasty operation either or both damaged surfaces of the joints are removed and they are substituted with an artificial surface which is highly polished and smooth so that there is hardly any friction between them during movement.