Why are joint replacements not more common for people who have arthritis?

While it may seem like an easy fix, a joint replacement is not always the right answer to the pain and disability of arthritis. When joints are replaced, surgeons take into account the condition of the joint, the bones that will have to hold the replacement, the overall health of the joints near the affected joint, and previous history of the joint.

The other issue is that a joint replacement is major surgery with all the potential risks and complications. Surgeons have to ensure that patients are healthy enough to withstand going under anesthetic, as well as the surgery and the recovery and rehabilitation. Complications from replacements can include infection and failure of the replacement.