This article is an introduction to total joint replacement surgery. Comprehensive information on specific types of joint replacement — such as for the hip, knee, shoulder, or wrist — can be found in separate articles devoted to those topics. 

Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic, or ceramic device called a prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to replicate the movement of a normal, healthy joint.

Hip and knee replacements are the most commonly performed joint replacements, but replacement surgery can be performed on other joints, as well, including the ankle, wrist, shoulder, and elbow.