Which surgical procedure involves the removal of a damaged joint?

The process of arthroplasty refers specifically to the surgical procedure that involves resurfacing or reconstructing a damaged joint. During arthroplasty, the goal is often to relieve pain and restore function to the joint, which can involve the complete removal of the damaged joint surfaces and the insertion of prosthetic components. This is particularly common in joints like the hip and knee, where degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis can lead to severe joint damage.

In contrast, while arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique used to visualize and operate on the interior of a joint, it does not typically involve the removal of the joint itself. Arthrodesis is the surgical fusion of a joint, which eliminates movement in that joint but does not involve removing it. Osteotomy involves cutting and reshaping bones around a joint, rather than removing the joint itself. Therefore, arthroplasty stands out as the specific procedure that directly addresses and removes the damaged joint to improve the patient's mobility and quality of life.