Progress in arthritis surgery: With special reference to the current status of total joint arthroplasty

The appropriate use of surgical methods of treatment for the patient suffering from arthritis is as an interval, often dramatic in its result, in the total treatment of that human being in his or her own social, family, and occupational environment. In addition, numerous procedures exist for the treatment of the problems presented by various ailing joints. While this is undeniable, it is the purpose of this article to deal with progress in the surgery of arthritis; advances, problems, and unsulved obdurate dilemmas. Most of the progress in arthritis surgery has been in the area of joint replacement. Special attention will be focused on cementless fixation (R.G.V.). The problems of surgery for arthritis of the knee will be comprehensively addressed (H.K., L.S.M.), and a review of the current status of cemented total hip arthroplasty and replacement of the other major joints will be presented (R.N.L. et al.).