Surgery for Osteoarthritis

If the pain is not responding to non-surgical treatments, surgery may be an option in treating advanced osteoarthritis. Depending on your age, activity level, condition of the affected joint, and the extent at which the disease has progressed, surgical options can include joint replacement or joint fusion.

  • Osteotomy – The femur (thigh bone) or tibia (calf bone) is cut and realigned to improve biomechanics of the joint.
  • Joint replacement – Portions of the bone are removed. An artificial joint with metal or plastic components is created.
  • Joint fusion – The ends of the bone (fusion) are bound together, eliminating the joint. Pins, plates, screws or rods may hold bones in place while they heal.