Indication for hip and knee replacement arthroplasty

Hip and knee replacement surgery accounts for the major part of orthopaedic operations. Preceding therapeutic options like oral analgetics or physical therapy up to corrective osteotomies may prolong the increase in impairment. As soon as these options become ineffective and as long as surgery requirements like bone stock and muscle constitution are still good, joint replacement is indicated. The right choice of implant according to the degree of joint and bone affection and the capability of using subtle operative methods mark the successful surgeon. No causal therapeutic option such as reconstruction of joint cartilage is available at present.