Arthritis affects one in three Americans and is the most common source of disability for those over 50 years old. In osteoarthritis, which affects the majority of sufferers, cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in a joint deteriorates. As bone begins to rub against bone, pain increases, and loss of movement accelerates. Many people experience this discomfort for years, mistakenly believing that they are "too young" to suffer from joint problems or that "nothing can be done" to help.
Joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which a worn out or injured joint is replaced with a new, artificial joint. Depending on the patient's medical situation, lifestyle, age, and other factors, the type of surgery and materials used will vary. Valley Medical Center's surgeons carefully assess the procedure and materials most appropriate to each patient's unique needs.