Which surgical procedure involves replacing a diseased joint?

Which surgical procedure involves replacing a diseased joint?

• A. Arthrodesis
• B. Osteotomy
• C. Arthroplasty
• D. Synovectomy

Answer: (C)

Replacing a diseased joint is achieved with arthroplasty. In this surgery, the damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with artificial components, restoring smooth movement and alleviating pain. It can be a total joint replacement or a partial one, depending on the joint and extent of disease. This differs from other procedures that don’t replace the joint: arthrodesis fuses the joint so it no longer moves; osteotomy cuts and realigns bone to change mechanics without replacing joint surfaces; and synovectomy removes the inflammatory lining of the joint rather than addressing the joint surfaces themselves.

Replacing a diseased joint is achieved with arthroplasty. In this surgery, the damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with artificial components, restoring smooth movement and alleviating pain. It can be a total joint replacement or a partial one, depending on the joint and extent of disease. This differs from other procedures that don’t replace the joint: arthrodesis fuses the joint so it no longer moves; osteotomy cuts and realigns bone to change mechanics without replacing joint surfaces; and synovectomy removes the inflammatory lining of the joint rather than addressing the joint surfaces themselves.