The Hip Bone's Connected to the Knee Bone ...
According
to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, over three hundred thousand hip
arthroplasty surgeries are performed yearly in the U.S.
Hip replacement surgery,
or arthroplasty, involves removal of portions of bone tissue, then replacement
with synthetic parts. Its benefits include decreased hip pain, better mobility,
and improved quality of life
In this procedure, the head of the femur is removed and cemented to synthetic parts using bone glue.
A similar surgery, biologic fixation, allows fixation of parts without
glue.People with limited mobility due to hip
fracture, bone tumor, or arthritis benefit from hip replacement surgery. However,
those with debilitating health conditions might not have a successful outcome. Alternatives to hip replacement include home
weightbearing exercises and use of a cain or
push-walker. These activities strengthen hip and pelvic muscles, enhance
mobility, and improve balance.
Cemented
parts are used more often for older, less active people and those with weak
bones, such as osteoporosis. Un-cemented
replacements are used more often in younger, active people. However, it may
take longer time for bone to grow and attach to the prosthesis. Three months of
activity restriction is recommended to heal and protect the joint.
After surgery, physical therapy is started in the
hospital to move the hip and prevent blood clots. Tenderness, redness, and swelling of the calf, thigh, ankle,
or foot could signal a blood clot. Fever, chills, swelling, and wound drainage
suggest infection. However, most
patients are discharged after three to five days. Full
recovery takes three to six months.
Complications
following surgery could include infection, leg-length
inequality, damage to blood vessels or nerves, blood clots, and delayed wound
healing. The most common postoperative complication is hip dislocation. This could
occur if the knee bent and pulled up to the chest.
Sometimes synthetic microscopic particles wear off the
artificial joint and cause an inflammatory reaction of surrounding tissues. This
can be treated with anti-inflammatory medicines. In rare cases, there may be a
need for repeat (revision) surgery.
Crucial home
exercises after surgery include walking,
stationary bicycling, swimming, and cross-country skiing. These activities increase
muscle strength, improved balance, and provide heart conditioning without
injuring the operated hip.
When
is revision (repeat surgery) needed? Hip
replacement is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries performed.
However, more people are having hip replacements at a younger age. Wearing of
the operated joint surface can occur over fifteen to twenty years. This can
lead to revision replacement of the artificial joint.Revision surgery is more difficult
than first-time hip replacement, and the outcome isn’t as successful. It’s important
to explore all available options before deciding on repeat surgery.
Questions or comments? Contact Dr.Clem at clementhanson
