Arthroplasty

Arthroplasty, or joint replacement, is a surgical procedure to replace all or part of a damaged hip, knee, or other of the body’s joints with an artificial joint (a prosthesis) and to relieve pain that cannot be controlled by other treatments. This surgery may be considered following a fracture of the joint or in the presence of severe arthritis that results in pain when attempting such daily activities as walking, sitting, or even resting. With recent improvements in prosthesis design and surgical technique, joint replacement has become more routine and longer-lasting; for example, more than 230,000 hip replacement surgeries are performed annually in the United States. The surgery is performed by a doctor called an orthopedic surgeon. Sometimes, the surgeon will not remove the whole joint, but will only replace or fix the damaged parts. Hips and knees are replaced most often. Other joints that can be replaced include the shoulder, finger, ankle, and elbow. After undergoing arthroplasty, an individual should expect to increase mobility, improve the function of the joint, and relieve pain caused by the joint problem.

Patients from across the nation trust their orthopaedic care to the specialists at UAB Medicine, where they benefit from the evidence-based care delivered by nationally known specialists in a compassionate environment. Our faculty physicians perform a wide array of complex and minimally invasive procedures and treatments, from complete hip replacements and bone cancer screenings to scoliosis correction and repair of sports-related injuries.

Clinics are maintained at the convenient UAB Hospital-Highlands, which offers easy access and free parking.

UAB Orthopaedics is comprised of physicians focused on specific bone and joint conditions of the hands, back, knees, hips, and feet. Physicians specializing in pediatric orthopaedics, musculoskeletal oncology, and sports medicine complete our comprehensive group of specialists. Our pledge is to work with you to determine the best course of care for your individual needs, and we keep you informed every step of the way. Our access to a wide variety of UAB Medicine specialists in other areas ensures that you will receive outstanding, experienced care.

Specialists within UAB Orthopaedics are highly skilled experts in their areas. Our physicians receive additional training in their area of specialty and stay up to date on the latest advances through professional medical societies such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Because our physicians take leadership roles in professional medical societies and author textbooks that help mold tomorrow’s orthopaedic physicians, they are nationally and internationally renowned for their care.

Care Providers

Amit Momaya, MD Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery

Resources

• UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
• National Institutes of Health