Joint Replacement
Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement (arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with artificial components. The goal is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.
Symptoms
Signs You May Need Joint Replacement
- Joint pain that persists despite medication, injections, and physiotherapy
- Pain that wakes you at night
- Stiffness that limits daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting dressed
- Visible joint deformity (bowed legs or knock knees)
- Pain that forces you to use a walking aid
- Reduced quality of life due to limited mobility
Common Causes
What Damages a Joint
- Osteoarthritis — the most common cause. Cartilage wears away over time, leading to bone-on-bone contact, pain, and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid arthritis — an autoimmune condition that attacks joint lining, causing inflammation and cartilage destruction.
- Post-traumatic arthritis — arthritis that develops after a fracture or serious joint injury.
- Avascular necrosis — loss of blood supply to the bone, causing bone death and joint collapse. Common in the hip.
Procedures & Guides
Types of Joint Replacement
Knee and hip replacement are the most common. Each procedure is matched to your joint, your arthritis, and your goals.
Total Knee Replacement
Resurfacing all three compartments of an arthritic knee with metal and plastic components — one of the most successful operations in medicine.
Hip Replacement
Replacing the femoral head (ball) and socket with an artificial joint to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Osteoarthritis Guide
Understanding and managing joint wear — symptoms, causes, and the options before and beyond surgery.
Partial knee replacement and hip resurfacing, which preserve more bone, are also available for suitable patients.
Our Approach
Non-Surgical Options to Try First
Joint replacement is not the first step. Most patients try conservative treatment before surgery, and surgery is considered only when these measures no longer provide adequate relief.
- Weight loss — every kilogram of weight loss reduces knee load by 4 kg during walking.
- Physiotherapy — strengthening muscles around the joint to provide better support and reduce pain.
- Medications — anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol, and topical treatments.
- Injections — corticosteroid injections for inflammation; hyaluronic acid injections to improve joint lubrication.
- Activity modification — switching from high-impact to low-impact exercise such as swimming and cycling.
- Walking aids — a cane or walking stick can reduce joint load and improve stability.
What to Expect
Recovery Timeline
1 to 3 Days
Most patients stay one to three days. The first two weeks focus on walking with support, wound healing, and swelling control.
Walking Freely
By six weeks most patients walk without a cane, and driving may resume. By three months you return to most daily activities.
Full Recovery
Full recovery, with continued strength improvement. Some low-impact sports may be possible.
A Considered Approach
Surgery is considered only when conservative measures
no longer provide adequate relief.
Red Flags
Seek Emergency Care
After a joint replacement, seek immediate care if you experience:
- Fever above 38.5°C
- Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the incision
- New drainage or foul smell from the wound
- Calf pain, swelling, or tenderness (possible blood clot)
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain
- The leg appears shorter or rotated compared to before surgery
Get Started
Is Joint Pain Limiting Your Life?
Call +966 50 580 8852 to discuss whether joint replacement is right for you.