Which surgical procedure involves replacing a damaged joint with an artificial one?

Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure specifically designed to address the damage to a joint by replacing it with an artificial joint, commonly referred to as a prosthesis. This procedure is typically performed in cases of severe arthritis, trauma, or other degenerative joint diseases, where the natural joint can no longer function effectively.

The primary goal of arthroplasty is to relieve pain and restore function in the affected joint, enhancing the patient's overall quality of life. Newer materials and techniques are continuously developed, making artificial joints more durable and improving the outcomes of such procedures.

In contrast, fusion surgery involves permanently connecting two bones in the joint space, effectively eliminating movement in that joint but can alleviate pain. Bone grafting involves taking bone tissue from one area of the body or a donor to repair or strengthen another area. Skeletal traction is a method to align and stabilize fractured bones and does not involve replacing any joint at all. Understanding these distinctions highlights why arthroplasty is the appropriate term for the replacement of a damaged joint with an artificial one.