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If doctors can do hip and knee replacements, why can't they replace other joints like fingers?

The most common joint replacement or arthroplasties are for hips and knees, but other joints can be replaced. However, the prosthesis for different types of joints are different, depending on the joint. Currently, there are finger prosthesis available and patients are receiving them, but researchers are working on learning which ones are the most effective. For example, some replacements use cement to fasten them while others don't. In a recent study, researchers found that the replacements that used cement were more effective over the long run than the uncemented ones.

Reference: 

Bruce R. Johnstone, MB, BS, et al. Cemented Versus Uncemented Surface Replacement Athroplasty of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint With a Mean 5-Year Follow-up. In Journal of Hand Surgery June 2008. Vol. 33. No. 5. Pp. 726-733.

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