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Cemented or Uncemented Artificial Joints

Before surgery, the surgeon will decide whether to use cemented or uncemented joints based on your age and how your X-rays look. Or the surgeon may decide at the time of surgery, when he or she opens up the joint and can see how the bone looks. One type is not clearly better than the other. Doctors may be more likely to use uncemented joints in younger people whose bone is in good condition and likely to make a strong bond with the replacement component. They may use cemented joints in older people or those whose bone is weaker and less likely to make a strong bond with the replacement components.

Cemented joints form an immediate, strong bond to the bone but often loosen after 10 to 20 years. A cemented bond is strongest immediately after surgery and gets weaker over time. In contrast, uncemented joints form a bond that may be weaker at first but may form a strong permanent bond as the bone fills in the porous coating. After a strong bond has developed between the bone and the replacement components, uncemented joints are less likely to weaken or loosen over time. Most loosening that can be seen on an X-ray doesn't cause symptoms and is not a problem.

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Best Stretches for Arthritis Morning Stiffness

For many people with arthritis, morning is the most difficult part of the day. Waking up with stiff joints or joint pain is a common complaint. Although it may seem like the hardest time of day to get moving, doing a few stretches in the morning can give you a more limber start to your day. It only takes a few minutes to stretch and warm up your muscles and joints. But for the best results, the key is to do arthritis stretches every day. Taking a warm shower before or after stretching can also help...

Read the Best Stretches for Arthritis Morning Stiffness article > >

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last Revised	April 8, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 08, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.