Topic Overview
Total joint replacement may be considered as a last resort for joints
that have been so badly damaged by
(JIA) that walking is
very hard or impossible. The hip and the knee joints are the most commonly
replaced. Results can be very good in teens who have total joint
replacement.
In general, it is best to delay total joint replacement until your
child's bones have stopped growing. But the possible risks of waiting must
also be considered. Waiting may lead to worsening of the joint and surrounding
tissues.
Joint replacement surgery can relieve pain and restore function, but
it will not restore the joint to a normal condition.
If both hips and knees need to be replaced, hips are done first
because it is hard to rehabilitate the knee if there is not good function
in the hip.
See the topic Osteoarthritis for more information on total knee and
hip replacement surgery.