Word parts
What it means
In a joint replacement, the worn surfaces of the joint are removed and replaced with metal, plastic or ceramic parts. It is done mostly for severe osteoarthritisos-tee-oh-ar-THRY-tisA long-term joint disease in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears away.oste/o bonearthr/o joint-itis inflammationFull entry . Recovery takes weeks of physical therapy. Risks include infection, blood clots and, after a hip replacement, the joint slipping out of place (dislocation).
For the nurse
After surgery, check circulation, movement and feeling in the limb, manage pain so the client can do therapy, and use clot prevention as ordered. After a hip replacement, teach the movement limits the surgeon orders, which often include not bending the hip too far.
At a glance
| Spanish | artroplastia |
|---|
Related terms
deep vein thrombosis
A blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the leg or pelvis.
range of motion
How far a joint can move in each of its normal directions, and the exercises that move joints through it.
osteoarthritis
A long-term joint disease in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears away.
-plasty
A word ending that means surgical repair or reshaping.