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By Jonathan Cluett, M.D., About.com Guide to Orthopedics since 1999

How Joint Replacements Are Held In Bone

Wednesday August 6, 2008
Joint replacments use metal implants to replace worn out joint surfaces. Common joints replaced include knee replacements and hip replacements. These implants need to be held solidly in the bone in order to last a long time.

There are two basic ways to hold a joint replacement in the bone. Some implants are held in place with cement, and some are held by allowing bone to grow into a rough surface of the implant. Depending on the type of implant and the patient's needs, the type of fixation may differ.

Related: Knee Replacements | Hip Replacements

Image © Medical Multimedia Group

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