ABSTRACT
Joint replacement is now a well established procedure that provides pain relief, mobility and stability to arthritic joints. The development of hip and knee replacement surgery is used to highlight some basic principles of joint replacement. The results of total knee replacements performed by the senior author were analysed in two separate, 2 to 5 year follow-up studies using the Scoring System of The Knee Society of America. Both studies confirm the reproducible, good results of this procedure. Indeed, the demand for this type of surgery has increased and in Malta, at present, the number of knee replacements performed out-numbers hip replacements by two to one. After total knee replacement rheumatoid arthritis patients have results that compare well with those of osteoarthritis patients. These patients, in particular, should benefit from early joint replacement.
