Advances in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedics Total joint arthroplasty

The greying of America has produced a strong demand for improving total joint arthroplasty. The primary application of joint replacement technology is at the hip and knee, but arthroplasty of the shoulder and elbow has also made significant advances. Increasing numbers of people are reaching retirement age and require a level of function that will enable their enjoyment of leisure activities such as golf and bicycling. The increased popularity of sports in general also has produced a population of younger adults who need arthroplasty to restore function after a disabling trauma. In addition to patients with traumatic arthritis, patients with crippling arthritis - for example, those affected by rheumatoid arthritis - need more normal function. Thus, there is a great need for total joint replacements that will perform better and last longer.