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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Musculoskeletal Conditions

Joint replacement

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

nounCommon term

In physiotherapy, joint replacement means: An operation in which a damaged joint, most often a hip or knee, is replaced with an artificial one made of metal, plastic or ceramic.

In Turkish: eklem protezi, artroplasti, protez ameliyatı

How it is used

Common phrases are total knee replacement (TKR) and total hip replacement (THR); surgeons may say arthroplasty. Physiotherapists usually get patients walking soon after surgery and work on range of motion, strength and confidence. After some hip replacements, patients follow movement precautions for a period.

Example sentences

  1. After a joint replacement, most patients are up and walking within a day or two.

  2. Our joint replacement class teaches patients their exercises before the operation.

Common collocations

  • total knee replacement
  • total hip replacement
  • joint replacement surgery
  • hip precautions
  • osteoarthritisA long-term joint condition in which the cartilage covering the ends of the bones gradually wears down, causing pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling.
  • range of motionHow far a joint can move in each direction, usually measured in degrees from a starting position.
  • walking frameA light metal frame with four legs, sometimes with wheels, that a person holds with both hands for support while walking.
  • weight-bearingPutting some or all of your body weight through a leg (or arm), especially when the amount allowed is limited after an injury or operation.

More terms: Musculoskeletal Conditions

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.