Surgery

Most people who have arthritis may never need surgery. However, if your joints are very damaged and other treatment is not helping, surgery may be suggested. If this is the case, you will be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon.

Possible operations include:

• replacing a badly damaged joint with an artificial joint
• removing the inflamed lining of the joint cavity
• removing the painful coverings from tendons or repairing damaged tendons
• removing bone to relieve pain
• releasing trapped nerves
• fusing a joint to make it more stable

Once you have recovered from your operation, you will probably find it easier and less painful to move around.

Joint replacements

Joint replacements are the most common form of surgery for arthritis, with hip and knee replacements the most popular. Ankles, shoulders, elbows, wrists and fingers can also be replaced.

Almost 65,000 hip replacements and 68,500 knee replacements were done in the UK during 2006-2007. Joint replacements are very successful operations and should last at least 10-15 years before revision surgery is needed – often longer if you treat them with respect. 

Joint replacement operations sometimes fail and you may need another operation. Although these are increasingly successful, very occasionally the replacement joint has to be removed. This can lead to considerable disability.

NHS or private?

Waiting times for surgery on the NHS in many parts of England have come down to 18 weeks from the time of a GP's referral to the time you have the operation.

Some people choose to pay to have their operation done privately which can be very expensive.

Explore both options thoroughly before deciding which is better for you. Sometimes private medical insurance may cover the cost of an operation but check that your policy covers your arthritis – especially if you developed the condition before taking out the policy.

Be informed

If your doctors suggest surgery, discuss what is being offered, and why, so you can make an informed decision about whether to go ahead. As well as the benefits, there are always some risks with having surgery so discuss these with your consultant beforehand.

For more information about the different types of surgery and how to prepare for an operation, see our booklet Surgery and Arthritis or contact our helpline.