The knee is the largest, most complex joint in the body. It is also the most stressed. Knee replacement surgery involves replacing an injured or diseased joint with an implant to relieve pain and improve movement.
A hip replacement, or hip arthroplasty, is surgery that replaces a diseased or injured hip joint by with an artificial joint or implant. People usually receive hip replacements when arthritis causes severe hip pain and inflammation. Hip fracture and natural wear-and-tear are also common reasons for hip replacement surgery.
Shoulder joint replacement surgery (also called shoulder arthroplasty) is not as common as replacement surgeries for the knee or hip joints. Still, when necessary, this operation can effectively ease pain from shoulder arthritis. Most people experience improved shoulder function after this surgery.