Joint Replacements Surgery – Live Life Pain Free

Joint replacement surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures. With the increasing number of elderly afflicted with arthritis, requiring hip joint replacements, surgery to replace the hip joint has become the most common joint replacement. Because of the long history of hip replacement surgery, this procedure has become a safer and more reliable method to treat severe arthritis pain.

The most common cause of hip arthritis is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. Other possible causes of joint problems include rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis and tumors.

Arthritis of the hip joint is first treated with conservative measures. Options include anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. If these treatments are not adequate in treating symptoms, then total hip joint replacement may be recommended to relieve pain and restore function.

Hip joint replacement involves removal of the ball and socket arthritic joint. The head of the thigh bone is removed, and an implant with a stem is positioned in the central canal of the thigh bone. Then any remaining cartilage and some bone are removed from the socket part of the joint on the hip bone and a new socket is put in its place. This artificial hip joint implant allows painless movement. There are many hip joint replacement implant options available, including the type of material - metal or ceramic - and design of the implant. The surgeon chooses the best implant based on the age, the level of activity of the patient and a few other factors.

Joint replacement is a major surgery, and there are many potential complications. While the success rate of hip joint replacements is very high, the risks must be considered. Some of the more common risks include implant failure (loosening), dislocation, deep venous thrombosis and infection. If the joint wears out, a revision replacement may be performed on the joint. This is a more complicated surgery, and with each revision, the life span of the implant decreases.

Also see; hip replacement procedure.

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