Arthrosurface Philosophy

Restoring a Joint vs Replacing a Joint

During a Joint Restoration Procedure (a.k.a. joint resurfacing), a surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone and then matches the joint surface with a new super smooth implant that keeps the patients’ joint and anatomy intact. Similar to a dentist filling a cavity only the damaged area is replaced.

The surgery for the HemiCAP® implant can be performed as an outpatient procedure, with less morbidity and an accelerated rehabilitation protocol compared to traditional total joint replacement surgery. In order to preserve the patients’ quality of life while maintaining normal motion, Arthrosurface® only restores the joint surface instead of the entire joint, like in a total knee replacement. Very little tissue or bone is removed and because the implant matches the patients’ unique joint surface, there are no activity restrictions after the HemiCAP® rehabilitation program has been completed.

During a total joint replacement procedure, such as knee replacement surgery or shoulder replacement surgery, a surgeon will remove significant amounts of bone and tissue and in many cases, the stabilizing structures are also removed, which compromises normal motion and stability. In addition, a patients’ quality of life can be severely limited after having a total joint replacement, as artificial implants are large, heavy and don’t necessarily match the patient’s natural anatomy. For example, a patient with a Total Shoulder Replacement is not supposed to lift more than 25lbs, which means weightlifting, carrying groceries and even picking up your children is highly discouraged.

Before you commit to an invasive joint replacement surgery, like a total hip replacement or total knee replacement, ask your doctor what you will not be able to do after the recovery and always seek professional medical advice for specific personal care.
For any questions or concerns, please contact us.