Hip Replacement Surgery – Hope For Hip Pain

Hip replacement surgery is beneficial in those with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fractures of the bones forming the hip joint, all conditions where conservative medical therapy is either not possible or inadequate. Hips may need replacement when any of these conditions are present, and there are implants that work as well as normal hips.

In total hip replacements, the hip replacements surgery aims to remove the diseased and damaged parts of the hip and replace them with artificial hip implants called prostheses. The hip prosthesis replacement implant consists of a socket, ball, and stem. The outer shell of the socket is usually made of metal and the inner shell of plastic. When the metal ball is joined with the socket in the operation, the new hip replacements allow for smooth, nearly frictionless movement.

Doctors generally try to delay total hip replacement as long as possible in favor of less invasive treatments. However, in patients with advanced joint disease, hip replacements operations and implants offers the chance for relief from pain and a return to normal activities.

The hip replacement operation usually takes two to four hours. The operation is performed through an incision over the side of the hips. The ball-end of the thigh bone is cut out and replaced with the new metal ball and stem component of the implant. It may be stabilized with or without cement during the operation. The damaged surface of the socket is smoothed in preparation for the insertion of the new socket implant. The ball and socket components of the implant are then joined. When the surgeon is satisfied with the fit and function, the incision will be closed and covered with dressings.

The standard total hip replacement technique, though reasonably successful in elderly, relatively inactive patients, offers unacceptably poor long term outcomes for young, active patients often with a saga of repeat replacements due to bone loss and loosening of implant. Newer hip implants made from highly wear resistant plastic and ceramic attempt to provide better hips replacement results in younger patients with more active lifestyles.

Also see; minimally invasive hip surgery.

About The Author:

Dr. Bharat Sharma is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.hip-replacement-care.com. He has been working in the medical rehab field for more than a decade. Keeping up to date with techological advancements he has become a self appointe