Joint Replacement

Elbow Replacement Surgery

Elbow replacement surgeries are the least common type of joint replacement (arthroplasty). This is largely due to the fact that arthritis develops in the elbow joint far less frequently than at other joints, such as the knee and hip. However, when the elbow joint is damaged due to a fracture or other injury, surgical replacement may be necessary.

As with all joint replacement surgeries, the aim of an elbow replacement procedure is to replace the damaged portion of the elbow joint with an artificial prosthesis. For those who suffer from elbow pain, elbow arthroplasty can be an effective way to restore pain-free movement in the joint.

Hip Replacement Surgery

The hip is one of the most commonly replaced joints, usually as a result of osteoarthritis. Other conditions may also warrant surgical intervention for hip problems such as a severe break due to osteoporosis.

If you’re worried about your risk of developing this disabling condition, visit the Advanced Bone & Joint Bone Fragility Clinic in St. Peters, Missouri, for a bone density screening.

Hip replacement surgery, also called hip arthroplasty, involves removing the damaged portion of the hip joint and replacing it with an artificial joint that allows for pain-free movement.

Watch a video of one of our satisfied hip replacement patients:

Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee problems are common and can occur from injury, wear and tear, or diseases like arthritis. For many people, a partial knee replacement or total knee replacement is the only way to relieve pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.

Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, involves removing the damaged portion of the knee and replacing it with an artificial joint that restores joint function. For many people, knee replacement is highly successful for relieving pain.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery (Total and Reverse)

Your shoulder joint provides the greatest range of motion of all the joints in your body. Injury, arthritis, and overuse can cause the cartilage in the shoulder joint to degenerate, leading to pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion.

For some patients, this can only be cured with total shoulder replacement surgery, which replaces the damaged portion of the shoulder joint with an artificial joint. Because the shoulder is not a weight-bearing joint, damage to the joint tends to cause less pain than similar damage to the hip or knee joints. Thus, shoulder replacement surgery (arthroplasty) is less common than hip replacement and knee replacement but can be equally effective at relieving joint pain.

A reverse shoulder replacement is recommended for people with an irreparable rotator cuff, severe arthritis with rotator cuff damage, or prior failed shoulder surgery. With reverse shoulder replacement surgery, the position of the “ball” and “socket” in the joint are switched, which allows the body to bypass the damaged rotator cuff muscles and use the deltoid muscle to power the arm.