| SLUG | Shoulder, elbow and wrist replacements Upper body joint replacements are less common than hip and knee replacements, but are also generally successful. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint (like the hip), and a full or partial replacement will usually last around 10 years. The elbow is a hinge (more like the knee) made up of three bones, and damaged parts can be replaced by a metal and plastic hinge. The wrist is a complex joint involving eight bones, but where there is severe damage, a replacement can recover movement and reduce pain. Ask your orthopaedic surgeon what's right for you. 70 | MARCH 2015 68-71 Expect bone replacement FINAL.indd 70 26/01/2015 14:00