Acetaminophen
Non-prescription pain reliever and fever reducer, such as Tylenol and Anacin-3.  Does not have anti-inflammatory effect but can help reduce mild to moderate pain.

Acupuncture
An alternative pain-relief therapy involving the insertion of needles into specific exterior body locations.  The National Institutes of Health says acupuncture can reduce pain and improve function for people with arthritis, and serve as an effective complement to more standard care.

Arthritis
A group of bone and joint disorders commonly marked by bone deterioration, joint inflammation, chronic pain, loss of mobility and flexibility, and other skeletal dysfunction.  Arthritis is one of the most common ailments (especially among older people) and the most common condition leading to joint replacement surgery.

Arthroplasty
The medical term for a total joint replacement procedure.

Arthroscopy
A surgical procedure in which a small fiberoptic telescope, called an arthroscope, is inserted into a joint – most commonly a knee.  With this device, a surgeon can view and irrigate structures in the joint, and conduct such procedures as trimming cartilage and removing bone chips.

Avascular necrosis
A type of arthritis in which insufficient blood supply reaches a bone, causing a variety of symptoms including deterioration, pain and loss of mobility.

Bextra
A COX-2 Inhibitor-type medication in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) family.  Bextra (valdecoxib) is suspected of increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events as a side effect.  The FDA has taken Bextra off the market.

Cardiovascular
Related to the heart and circulatory system.  Certain anti-arthritis medications are now suspected of increasing the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular complications as a side effect.

Celebrex
A Cox-2 Inhibitor-type drug that has received attention regarding the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events as side effects.  The FDA permits continued use of Celebrex, but now requires strong warnings on its label about possible side effects.

Cemented joint
A type of replacement joint that is connected to natural bone using bone glue or "cement."  Cemented implants are preferred for older, less active people because results are consistently good and recovery time is relatively quick.

Chondroitin sulfate
A medication, taken in pill form, believed to slow progression of osteoarthritis.  It tends to work best when taken "early on," before the disease has significantly progressed.

Corticosteroid injections
Direct injections into a joint of anti-inflammatory drugs that imitate the natural body fluids produced in the adrenal gland.  These drugs lubricate an arthritic joint, reducing pain and swelling.

Cox-2 Inhibitors
A category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that reduce joint pain and inflammation, but are easier on the stomach than other NSAIDs.  Cox-2s, however, have not been in use as long as other NSAIDs, and concerns have arisen about their potential adverse side effects.

Degenerative bone disease
A category of arthritic conditions that result in a breakdown or disintegration of the bone matter.

Glucosamine
A medication, taken in pill form, believed to slow progression of osteoarthritis.  It tends to work best when taken "early on," before the disease has significantly progressed.

Hybrid joint
A type of replacement joint that utilizes both cemented and uncemented components for the particular needs of the patient.

Implant
A generic term describing any artificial joint or component implanted into the body.

Magnetic pulse therapy
An alternative therapy in which low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are applied to the joint.  Limited studies of this therapy have not shown significant benefits.

Musculoskeletal
Having to do with the relationships and functions of bones and various tissue – ligaments, tendons, muscles – in the body, such as those found within the hip, knee and other joints.

Non-cemented (or uncemented) joint
A type of replacement joint that attaches to the body naturally.  Parts that fit inside the patient's bone are made of a material and feature a design that encourages the bone to grow into and around them.  This type of implant lasts longer.  It requires healthy bones that will grow into replacement joint, however, as well as a longer recovery time.

NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common of all drugs used in the treatment of arthritis.  From aspirin to Vioxx, NSAIDs address a wide range of aches and pains – from headaches and fever to severe joint inflammation.  They're available in any drugstore and also by prescription for more serious conditions.  Side effects can include stomach upset and gastrointestinal bleeding, and certain Cox-2 Inhibitors – a category of NSAIDs – could increase risk for heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events.

Orthopaedist / Orthopaedic surgeon
A physician who specializes in bone conditions and performs joint replacement surgery.

Osteoarthritis
A form of arthritis that causes deterioration and weakening of the bone.

Osteotomy
Surgical cutting or modifying of the bone to improve alignment, weight bearing or other performance characteristics.  It does not involve artificial parts or implants.

Partial arthroplasty
A surgical procedure in which only part of a joint is removed and replaced with artificial components.

Prostheses / Prosthetic devices
Generic terms for a whole or partial artificial joint, limb or other "structural" body part.

Physical therapy
An individualized exercise program – usually designed, supervised and implemented by a trained professional – intended to improve or restore joint strength and mobility.  It is a "must" following arthroplasty.

Revision surgery
A subsequent surgery to correct problems from a less-than-successful arthroplasty.

Rheumatoid arthritis
An arthritic condition marked by severe inflammation of the joint.

THA
Stands for total hip arthroplasty.

TKA
Stands for total knee arthroplasty.

Unicondylar replacement
Partial joint replacement, blending artificial components with healthy portions of the joint

Vioxx
A COX-2 Inhibitor-type medication in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) family.  Vioxx (rofecoxib) is suspected of increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events as a side effect.  The FDA has taken Vioxx off the market.