Final answer:
Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged joint with an artificial prosthesis to alleviate pain and enhance mobility. It is considered after less invasive treatments fail and involves using materials designed to minimize joint friction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Arthroplasty is surgical procedure that involves the replacement of a damaged or arthritic joint with a prosthesis, which is an artificial component. This procedure is highly invasive, and is often considered after other treatments for joint pain and mobility issues have failed to provide relief. During arthroplasty, such as a hip replacement, the damaged parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial components custom made for the patient. These replacements can be made from various materials like stainless steel, titanium, or polyethylene with very small coefficients of friction, aiming to restore the function of the joint.