Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Does total joint arthroplasty impair erectile function?
Patrick Weber1, Florian Schmidutz1, Andreas Ficklscherer1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany.
Introduction:
Sexuality is an important factor in quality of life (QoL) and was reported to improve after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, one study group found evidence regarding a high rate of impaired erectile function of about 20% in male patients after TJA. As erectile dysfunction is a serious matter of concern and there are no data explaining this observation sufficiently, the purpose of this study was to revaluate the erectile function in patients after TJA.
Material And Methods:
All consecutive male patients scheduled for TJA were enrolled in this prospective study. Evaluation was performed pre- and 6 months postoperatively with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. One hundred and fifty-nine patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 51 patients wished not to take part in the study.
Results:
From the 108 patients who were included prior to surgery, 101 (94%) were available at the 6-month follow-up. In those patients, the preoperative erectile function was normal in 38 (24.0 ±1.1), impaired in 45 (14.7 ±6.5) and with no function in 18 patients. No significant difference in the pre- (15.4 ±9.3) and postoperative (15.3±9.2) IIEF-5 score was observed (p = 0.59) in the total group. Similarly, subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference in patients with total hip arthroplasty (p = 0.58), total knee arthroplasty (p = 0.37) or > 70 years (p = 0.08).
Conclusions:
The previously reported high rate of impaired erectile function after TJA of the lower extremity could not be confirmed. Total joint arthroplasty remains a safe procedure in terms of postoperative erectile function.
Related Concept Videos
Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An...
Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
Structural Joints: Fibrous Joints
Suture
All the bones of the skull, except for the mandible, are joined to each other by a fibrous joint called a suture. The fibrous connective tissue found at a suture strongly unites the adjacent skull bones and thus helps to protect the brain and form the face. In...
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
Joints
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...
Method of Joints
Since plane truss members are in the same plane, each joint is subjected to a coplanar and concurrent force system. To apply the method of joints, the first step is to...

