Indications and conditions

• Long-standing, substantial pain due to significant arthritis
  and
• Not relieved by other methods
  and
• Interferes with activities of daily living more that the patients is willing to accept
  and
• Patient is willing to accept the limitations and risks associated with the artificial joint
  and
• Is medically fit

In order to be a good candidate for a total joint replacement, certain conditions must be met. The arthritis must be causing significant pain present for at least a number of months.

Simpler treatments ought to have been tried and failed.

The symptoms have to significantly interfere with activities of daily living.

The candidate has to understand the risks and be willing to accept the limitations of artificial joints.

Lastly, the patient must be medically fit to undergo such an operation.