This study estimated the number of arthritis-related hip/knee replacements performed in the nation as well as in Ohio. These estimates were then used to calculate the economic burden associated with arthritis-related surgeries. The National Hospital Discharge Survey in 2000 and the 2000 U.S. Census were utilized to estimate the number and cost of hip/knee replacements performed. In the United States, approximately 9.9 billion dollars was spent on 439,833 hip/knee replacement surgeries in the year 2000. In Ohio, approximately 420 million dollars was spent for 18,731 hip/knee replacement surgeries. The true cost of arthritis in terms of joint replacement is estimated to be much higher if preoperative and postoperative care is included.