University of Minnesota Health orthopaedic surgeons use arthroplasty to treat your degenerated joints by reconstructing or replacing your joint. Arthroplasty is an open procedure performed through a large incision in your skin. Surgeons remove the damaged area of your joint and replace it with an implant called a prosthesis, which is designed to serve as a normal functioning joint. Depending on the circumstances, an arthroplasty procedure can be done in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center. Your surgeon will review the options with you at your pre-surgical evaluation. Arthroplasty recovery includes physical therapy to help restore the strength and range of motion in your joint.
