Hip Replacement Surgery

Most degenerative problems will finally require replacement of the painful hip with an artificial hip replacement. The decision to proceed with surgery should be made jointly by you and your doctor only after you feel that you understand as much about the procedure as possible.

Once the decision to proceed with surgery is made, there are several things that may need to be done. Your orthopedic surgeon may suggest a complete physical examination by your medical or family doctor. This is to ensure that you are in the best possible condition to undergo the operation. You may also need to spend time with the physical therapist who will be managing your rehabilitation after the surgery. The therapist will be able to begin the teaching process before the surgery to ensure that you are ready for the rehabilitation afterwards.

Finally, you may be asked to donate some of your own blood before the operation. This blood can be donated three to five weeks before the operation, and your body will make new blood cells to replace the loss. At the time of the operation, you will receive your own blood back from the blood bank in case you need to have a blood transfusion.

As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine whether an orthopedic implant is an appropriate course of treatment. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. The performance of the new joint depends on weight, activity level, age and other factors. These need to be discussed with your doctor.

The Right Implant for You

Surgeons choose from a vast array of implants produced by various manufacturers. Materials and clinical engineering of these implants vary. Talk with your surgeon about which implant will be used for your particular circumstances. Your surgeon can explain the clinical results of the implant chosen for you and tell you why this implant is the best choice. The surgeon's criteria may include:

• Shape and design for optimum fit within the patient's anatomy
• History of long-term stability and adhesion - called fixation
• Material
• Ability to reestablish the patient's natural range of motion
• Cost
• Consideration of hospital-negotiated contracts
• Comfort with the surgical instruments associated with the preferred implant
• The surgeon's confidence in the implant manufacturer's clinical success rate and product quality.

With the extensive range of implant products available, your surgeon can choose the solution that he or she thinks will be best for you, based on your disease, anatomy, lifestyle and other criteria.

As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine whether an orthopaedic implant is an appropriate course of treatment. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. The performance of the new joint depends on weight, activity level, age and other factors. These need to be discussed with your doctor.

What Causes Chronic Hip Pain?

• Osteoarthritis
  Osteoarthritis is sometimes referred to as "degenerative" or "wear-and-tear" arthritis; it is the most common type of arthritis. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage covering the bone ends gradually wears away. At its most advanced stage, the joint cartilage is completely eroded - down to the bone. Degeneration of joint cartilage and changes in underlying bone and supporting tissues lead to pain, stiffness, movement problems and activity limitations. All joints may be affected by osteoarthritis, but it is often more painful in weight-bearing joints -hip, knee, spine.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
  Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that affects people of all ages, including children. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system produces a chemical that attacks and destroys the lining of the joint, the cartilage and the joint surface itself.  Consequently, swelling, pain, joint damage and loss of mobility occur - even if the joint isn't used. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects the wrist joints and the finger joints closest to the hand.
• Trauma-Related Arthritis
  Trauma-related arthritis occurs when the joint is injured -- for instance, in a fall or an auto accident.

Regardless of the type of arthritis, the disease can cause symptoms of joint pain, stiffness, limping, muscle weakness, limitation of motion and swelling. Pain is the main problem with advanced arthritis in any joint. Depending on the joint affected and the amount of damage, ordinary activities such as walking, putting on socks and shoes, getting in and out of cars, and climbing stairs may be difficult. As the condition worsens, symptoms worsen.