PrintWhat is arthroplasty?
Known as “joint replacement," arthroplasty involves using surgery to improve the function of a joint (usually the hip or knee). It is most often used to treat pain and stiffness caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or aseptic necrosis. These conditions cause damage to joint surfaces (places where bones meet) and make it difficult and painful to perform weight bearing activities, like walking or other activities of daily living.
Reconstructing the joint involves replacing part or all of the damaged hip joint surfaces with artificial implants. The implants work like a normal hip or knee, allowing patients to go back to many of their regular physical activities — often a few weeks or months after surgery.
UHN’s Arthroplasty Care Area
UHN’s arthroplasty service is one of the leading programs of its kind in Canada. We specialize in handling complex cases, acting as a referral centre for orthopedic patients from across the province and country.
We excel in the following areas:
- Treatment of lower extremity arthritis in young patients
- Partial or total replacement of the knee and hip
- Revision joint replacement of the hip or knee
The right care from start to finish
Our team of surgeons works with nurses, physiotherapists and other health care workers in the pre-operative, operative and post-operative stages, ensuring patients receive the proper attention through all phases of their treatment. With a patient-centred approach our goal is to return patients to their everyday activities as soon as possible.
Research fuels our high-quality patient care, as we work to better understand arthritis and other conditions that affect the joints. Our surgeons are actively involved in leading-edge orthopaedic research -- both clinical studies and basic science research -- and are committed to bringing improved techniques and treatments to patients undergoing arthroplasty.
