This animation explains total knee replacement, a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged knee joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic or ceramic device called a prosthesis.

During knee replacement surgery, damaged bone and cartilage is resurfaced with metal and plastic components. In unicompartmental knee replacement (also called "partial" knee replacement) only a portion of the knee is resurfaced. This procedure is an alternative to total knee replacement for patients whose disease is limited to just one area of the knee.

This video shows a hip replacement surgery where the surgeon uses the anterior approach – accessing the joint from the front of the hip. You will see what takes place before, during and after surgery.

This video shows a hip replacement surgery where the surgeon uses the mini-posterior approach – accessing the joint from the back of the hip. You will see what takes place before, during and after surgery.

Whether you have just begun exploring treatment options or have already decided to undergo ankle replacement surgery, this information will help you understand the benefits and limitations of ankle replacement.