Surgery

Surgery may relieve pain and improve function.

• Arthroscopy is the examination of the inside of a joint using a small camera (endoscope). Arthroplasty is the repair of a joint in which the joint surfaces are replaced with artificial materials, usually metal or plastic.
  
  
• Osteotomy is incision or cutting of bone.
  
  
• Chondroplasty is surgical repair of the cartilage.
  
  
• Arthrodesis is a surgical fusion of the bony ends of a joint preventing joint movement. For example, fusion of an ankle joint prevents any further joint movement of the ankle itself. This is done as a result of many years of significant joint pain resulting from a previous significant injury or severe osteoarthritis. The procedure is performed to help block further pain by preventing any further joint movement.
  
  
• Joint replacement is removal of diseased or damaged bony ends and replacement with a manmade joint composed of a combination of metal and plastic. Knee joint replacement and hip replacement are the most common. Some joints, such as those of the spine, cannot be replaced presently.

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Osteoarthritis - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

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