Total Joint Replacement
Total joint replacement surgery treats advanced arthritis and severe joint damage. At UTHealth Houston, our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons perform primary and complex total joint replacement procedures to relieve pain and restore mobility.
In addition to surgical care, we evaluate nonsurgical treatment options and develop individualized care plans. Our team treats conditions affecting the hip, knee, shoulder, ankle, and elbow.
What Is Total Joint Replacement?
Total joint replacement removes damaged cartilage and bone from a joint and replaces them with prosthetic components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. These implants restore alignment, stability, and movement.
Each year, surgeons perform more than one million hip and knee replacement procedures in the United States. As a result, total joint replacement ranks among the most common and successful orthopedic surgeries.
Although hip and knee replacements occur most frequently, surgeons also perform joint replacement procedures on the shoulder, ankle, elbow, and wrist.
What Conditions are Treated with Total Joint Replacement Surgery?
Most patients undergo total joint replacement for osteoarthritis. However, several other conditions may damage the joint and cause persistent pain, including:
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Post-traumatic arthritis
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Avascular necrosis
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Severe joint fractures
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Inflammatory joint disorders
Initially, many patients try conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, or activity modification. When these measures no longer provide relief, orthopedic specialists may recommend total joint replacement surgery.
Am I a Candidate for Total Joint Replacement Surgery?
You may benefit from a total joint replacement evaluation if you experience:
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Ongoing joint pain that interferes with daily activities
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Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing
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Limited range of motion
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Pain that persists despite medication or therapy
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Sleep disruption due to joint discomfort
During your visit, your surgeon reviews imaging, evaluates joint function, and discusses your goals. Together, you can determine whether total joint replacement offers the most appropriate solution.
Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery
Hip and knee replacement surgery represent the most common forms of total joint replacement. Over time, advances in surgical technique and implant design have improved precision and durability.
Many patients report significant pain relief and improved mobility after surgery. In addition, modern implants often last 20-30 years or longer, depending on age, activity level, and overall health.
To learn more, visit:
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Hip replacement surgery
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Knee replacement surgery
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Outpatient joint replacement
What to Expect Before and After Surgery
Before Surgery
Before total joint replacement, your care team completes a thorough medical evaluation and provides preoperative education. Optimizing overall health can improve both recovery and long-term outcomes.
During Surgery
During total joint replacement surgery, your orthopedic surgeon removes damaged joint surfaces and precisely positions prosthetic components to restore alignment and movement.
After Surgery
After surgery, most patients begin mobilization shortly thereafter with guided assistance. Physical therapy plays a central role in restoring strength and range of motion. While recovery timelines vary, structured rehabilitation supports steady progress.
In selected cases, surgeons perform total joint replacement in an outpatient setting. However, your overall health and safety determine whether same-day discharge is appropriate.
Risks and Considerations
Like all surgical procedures, total joint replacement carries potential risks. These may include:
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Infection
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Blood clots
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Implant loosening or wear
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Joint stiffness
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Rare nerve or vascular injury
Before proceeding, your surgeon explains the benefits, risks, and alternatives. This discussion will help you make an informed decision with confidence.
Our Approach to Total Joint Replacement
Our orthopedic specialists in total joint replacement perform primary, partial, and revision procedures. In addition, we manage complex joint reconstruction cases that require specialized expertise.
As part of an academic health science center, we integrate evidence-based techniques, advanced implant technology, and multidisciplinary coordination. Consequently, patients benefit from comprehensive and carefully planned care.
We also provide coordinated orthopedic services across multiple locations, ensuring access to specialty joint care within our broader service region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Total Joint Replacement Surgery
How long does total joint replacement surgery take?
Surgical time varies by joint; however, most procedures take one to two hours.
How long is the recovery after total joint replacement?
Initial recovery typically occurs over several weeks. Full recovery, however, may take several months depending on the joint and individual health factors.
When can I walk after total joint replacement?
Most patients begin standing or walking with assistance shortly after surgery.
How long do joint replacements last?
Modern implants often last 20–30 years or longer, although longevity depends on several individual factors.
Is total joint replacement safe?
When performed by experienced orthopedic surgeons, total joint replacement remains a safe and effective procedure. Individual risk varies and should be discussed during consultation.