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Hip Pain
Hip Pain Treatment
What's causing your hip joint pain? Is getting relief through joint replacement
an option for you? These are just some of the answers that an orthopaedic surgeon
can provide. But first, it's a good idea to have information about joint replacement
that will help you understand what the surgeon tells you.
What You Should Know About Hip Joint Replacement
"Joint replacement" is usually reserved for patients who have severe arthritic conditions. Most patients who have artificial hip joints are over 55 years of age, but the operation is being performed in greater numbers on younger patients thanks to new advances in artificial joint technology.
Circumstances vary, but generally patients are considered for total joint replacement if:
- Functional limitations restrict work, recreation and the ordinary activities of daily living.
- Pain is not relieved by medications or physical therapy or by the use of a cane, and/or by restricting activities.
- Stiffness in the joint is significant.
- X-rays show advanced arthritis or other problems.
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What Is Total Joint Replacement?
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which certain parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a plastic or metal device or an artificial joint. The artificial joint is designed to move just like a healthy joint. Hip replacement involves replacing the femur (head of the thigh bone) and the acetabulum (hip socket). Typically, the artificial ball is made of a strong metal or ceramic, and the artificial socket is made of polyethylene (a durable, wear-resistant plastic) backed with a metal shell. The artificial joint may be cemented in position or held securely in the bone without cement.
Are You Ready to Consider Hip Joint Replacement?
If different treatments haven't helped you get through your everyday activities comfortably, you may be ready to consider hip replacement surgery.
Today, more than 300,000 Americans a year have total hip replacement surgery. First performed in 1960, this procedure is considered one of the most important surgical advances of the past 100 years. It has amply fulfilled its promise of restoring many people to the lives they knew before their hip pain worsened.
Possible Complications of Surgery
Serious complications may occur with any surgical procedure. These include but are not limited to: problems with anesthesia, cardiovascular problems including heart attack, vascular problems including thrombus, bronchopulmonary problems including emboli, genitourinary problems, and gastrointestinal problems. Certain additional complications related to joint replacement surgery in particular may include but are not limited to: bleeding problems, blood clots in the legs and/or lungs, wound healing problems, damage to nerves and blood vessels, limb length discrepancy, bone erosion or abnormal bone formation, dislocation, infection, pain, bone fracture or non-union, component wear or fracture, component loosening. Complications may require medical intervention including additional surgery and, in rare instances, may lead to death. Your doctor should discuss these potential complications with you.
Will an Artificial Hip Joint Last Forever?
As successful as most of these procedures are, over the years, an artificial joint can become loose and unstable or wear out, requiring a revision (repeat) surgery. These issues — together with the fact that increasing numbers of younger and more active patients are receiving total joint replacement, and patients are living longer — have challenged the orthopaedic industry to try to extend the life cycle of total joint replacements.
Recent improvements in surgical techniques and instrumentation will help to further the success of your treatment. The availability of advanced materials, such as titanium and ceramic, and new plastic joint liners provides orthopaedic surgeons with options that may help to increase the longevity of the artificial joint.