For those suffering from osteoarthritis of the hip, even with treatment daily life activities can be difficult to perform and the pain can be unbearable. Patients not responding well to non-surgical interventions may want to consider Hip Replacement Surgery. Historically this procedure was performed most frequently on patients over 60, as the artificial parts could not withstand the stress and strain placed on them by an active lifestyle. However, recent technological improvements have made it practical to perform this surgery in younger patients with great success. In fact, studies have shown that those who undergo the procedure before severe deterioration to the joint has occurred recover best from surgery.
Of course only a qualified doctor can determine who is eligible for surgery. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or an existing weakness of the surrounding muscles can be precluding factors, as they increase the likelihood of damage to the prosthesis. Those at high risk for infection are often recommended against hip replacement. But for everyone else, Hip Replacement Surgery can be a practical solution to reducing pain and increasing mobility and general quality of life.
The procedure itself is actually quite straightforward and typically only lasts one or two hours. A surgeon will remove the damaged or diseased tissue from the joint and replace it with artificial parts. The prosthesis will either be cemented into place, or left to graft themselves onto the existing bone structure naturally. The use of uncemented prostheses has only come into popular use in the past few decades, and requires a slightly longer recovery period. With either type of surgery, it’s recommended that patients arrange for a little bit of help around the house for the week or two directly following surgery. A full recovery usually takes between three and six months, but barring any unforeseen complications less than a week of this time must be spent in the hospital.
Osteoarthritis is by far the most common cause of severe hip damage, but other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis, acute injury, and bone tumors can also be at fault. Those suffering due to deterioration of the hip joint can visit website to find out more about treatment options and help decide whether to investigate surgical intervention. You can also visit them on Facebook for more updates.
