Final answer:
Arthroplasty is the medical term for the replacement of a worn or failed implant, which includes invasive procedures like hip arthroplasty to alleviate chronic pain and improve mobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The procedure known as arthroplasty refers to the replacement of a worn or failed implant. Joint replacement surgeries like hip arthroplasty are considered highly invasive, thus they are commonly the last line of treatment after other methods fail to provide relief. The operation not only addresses chronic pain but can significantly enhance the patient's mobility within months of recovery.
In hip arthroplasty, for example, the procedure involves removing the damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with a prosthesis. The prosthetic components typically include a rounded ball attached to a shaft for the femur and a corresponding socket for the pelvis's acetabulum. These parts are usually prepared prior to the surgery and may be custom-fitted to ensure optimal compatibility with the patient's anatomy.