3. DEFINITION
Arthroplasty is the removal of damaged joints and their
replacement with artificial joints, made of chrome, cobalt,
and titanium, and along with high-density plastics.
Its objective is to correct deformations and reduce pain in the
affected areas, necessary for the mobility of the body,
such as the hip, knee, elbow, shoulder or ankle, among
others.
4. There are several types of
arthroplasty:
• Hip arthroplasty (cemented,
uncemented or hybrid).
• Knee arthroplasty (total or partial)
• shoulder arthroplasty
• arthroplasty of elbow
• ankle arthroplasty
5. The most common reason for this
operation is osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis causes pain, swelling and
reduced mobility of the joints.
This can interfere with your daily
activities.
CAUSES
6. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Common symptoms of osteoarthritis
include pain, stiffness, and swelling in
the affected joint, as well as changes
in how you move the joint and a
feeling that the joint is loose or
unstable.
7. DIAGNOSIS
RX: Immediate control after arthroplasty and first diagnostic
step in case of painful prosthesis. Other imaging
techniques will be performed if plain radiography is not
helpful or if lesions are observed that require completion of
the study.
Arthrography: It can detect the mobilization of the prosthesis
and also periprosthetic collections.
8. Ultrasound: Useful for the visualization of
periprosthetic collections and their drainage, for
the detection of pseudotumors and for the
evaluation of the musculotendinous structures.
CT: Offers a detailed analysis of all the components
of the prosthesis and the native bone, detecting
signs of mobilization earlier and evaluating the
bone stock
DIAGNOSIS
9. COMPLICATIONS
The most common are:
• Infections
• Venous thromboembolic disease
• Periprosthetic fractures
• Joint stiffness
• Prosthetic loosening